By Date
Dan Kammen elected to National Academy of Sciences

The energy and resources group professor is one of eight UC Berkeley faculty elected this year.
Indigenous knowledge helps biotech find new drugs. This grad student wants those companies to give back.
Sabeeha Merchant on life, photosynthesis, and genomics

Merchant, a professor in PMB and Molecular and Cell Biology, recently wrote about the history of her research in the Journal of Molecular Biology.
Narimane Chatar awarded MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship

Narimane Chatar, a current NSF Postdoctoral Fellow in Jack Tseng’s lab, was awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Read more...
How ecosystems contribute to Colombia’s energy and water sectors

A new study demonstrates how natural capital accounting approaches can be used to value the economic benefits of ecosystems in Colombia’s Upper Sinú Basin.
Student Spotlight: Steven Zeng

The third-year environmental economics and policy student spoke to Rausser College about his journey to UC Berkeley and love of film production.
Rausser College recognized by the Annual Giving Network

Efforts by College Relations staff to update the communications preferences for the College’s constituents were given an honorable mention in the Best in Annual Giving Awards.
The not-so-secret life of gut bacteria
Collins elected to National Academy of Sciences
Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Kathleen Collins, was elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). NAS members are selected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Read the National Academy of Sciences' announcement here.
What we really need in the fight against extinction

ESPM faculty members Justin Brashares and Douglas McCauley write in TIME about how “de-extinction efforts” distract from the accelerating decline and extinction of nature.
Study finds opportunities to increase financial security for farmers and insurance companies

Professor Timothy Bowles and collaborators including researchers at the UC Berkeley Schmidt Center for Data Science and the Environment have released a paper and an open source tool that models the likely future of the US corn industry, in which growers and insurance companies face increasing economic uncertainty.
Three Rausser College students awarded NSF fellowships

The prestigious research fellowship provides financial support and professional development opportunities to awardees.
Dan and Rio elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Molecular Therapeutics Yang Dan and Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology Donald Rio have been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS). The Academy selects members for their exceptional contributions with the aim to connect across disciplines to advance the common good. Read more about the individuals elected in 2025 here.
MCB faculty and PhD candidate named MTI Innovator Awardees
Five MCB faculty and one PhD candidate were recently named 2025 Molecular Therapeutics Initiative (MTI) Innovator Awardees:
Youjin Chung honored with AAG book award

The ESPM and ERG assistant professor’s latest book, Sweet Deal, Bitter Landscape, was honored by the American Association for Geographers.
Electric trains are quieter, more reliable—and healthier—than diesel

A study co-authored by UC Berkeley professors Allen Goldstein and Joshua Apte, PhD '13 Energy and Resources, found that electrifying the Caltrain commuter line reduced riders’ exposure to carcinogenic black carbon by an average of 89%.
In Memoriam | Thomas J. Carlson

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Teaching Professor Emeritus Thomas J. Carlson, who passed away on 9 April 2025. Tom was a highly respected scientist and teacher who was beloved for his creative intellect, his kindness, and his humanity. Professionally, Tom’s career centered on two themes – botany and medicine. He held a Masters’ Degree in botany from the University of Michigan and was a Curator Emeritus in Berkeley’s University and Jepson Herbaria.
Olzmann receives Beatriz Manz Award
Professor of Molecular Therapeutics James Olzmann has received a 2025 L&S Faculty Award, the Beatriz Manz Award, from Berkeley's College of Letters & Science. This award recognizes exceptional scholarship, service to the College and community, and transformational teaching. Read more about Olzmann and the other L&S Faculty Award recipients here.
Applications cycle open for new National Geographic Society Initiative on American Keystones

Researchers, conservation practitioners, Tribal leaders, and others leading conservation efforts focused on keystone species in the United States and territories are encouraged to apply by May 23rd.
Understanding gaps in electricity access across Kampala

A new study led by Energy and Resources Group researchers reveals the challenges of energy access in Uganda, as grid connections still leave many residents vulnerable to energy poverty.