News & Events

Philipp Zerbe, a professor of plant biology whose research explores how plants use chemistry to communicate with and adapt to their environment, enabling new biotechnology applications for crops and bioproducts, has been named associate dean for research and graduate studies for the College of Biological Sciences. He will begin serving in the role on September 1.

Sean Burgess, a professor of molecular and cellular biology whose research has advanced understanding of chromosome inheritance, reproductive biology and human developmental disorders, has been named chair of the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB). She will begin serving in the role on September 1.

Think of friendships forged at UC Davis and you might picture first-year students gabbing in dorms, or recent graduates tossing their caps into the air, but the university fosters countless close ties — from the classroom to the boardroom. 

A shared commitment to philanthropy and scientific learning is what sparked a friendship between two longtime UC Davis supporters, Elena B. “Lin” Weaver and Deborah J. “Deb” Neff ’76.

Cancer cells are quick to develop resistance to anti-tumor drugs. New research by scientists from the University of California, Davis shows how cancers adapt to evade a class of anti-tumor drugs called BET inhibitors and offers hope for more effective therapies. 

Finals are over, students are done, families are gathering—it’s commencement, the inspiring culmination of why we’re here, doing what we do. I will be on stage for this year’s ceremonies, as I have been for almost all of them over the last decade. This year, however, will be my last as dean of the College of Biological Sciences.