By Date
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
April 29, 2025 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
April 25, 2025 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
April 24, 2025 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
April 21, 2025 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
April 17, 2025 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
April 16, 2025 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
April 14, 2025 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.
Congratulations NSF Fellows!
Focus on: PhD candidate Marco Dueñas
April 11, 2025 QB3 recently interviewed Marco Dueñas, a plant biology PhD candidate in Sabeeha Merchant's lab.
Schmidt Sciences brings hands-on communications training to UC Berkeley scientists
April 10, 2025 Over 35 graduate students from departments across campus participated in the workshop, which was hosted by the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center for Data Science & Environment.
Alicia Henson recognized for graduate mentorship, professional leadership
April 09, 2025 Henson, a program coordinator and education specialist, was recognized by the Graduate Assembly for her mentorship and the California Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for her leadership in the field.
BioE ranked #4 in nation
A single dry winter decimated CA's salmon and trout populations
April 03, 2025 A new study led by Professor Stephanie Carlson found that severely dry conditions during the winter of 2013-2014 helped wipe out the salmonid populations of individual tributaries and even entire watersheds.
MCB undergrads named Bakar Ignite Scholars
Congratulations to MCB undergraduates Carolyn Nguyen (Nuñez Lab), Karla Tapia (Hurley Lab), Shriprithi Vel Murugan (Hurley Lab), and Selina Wu (Hurley Lab) who were recently named Spring 2025 Ignite Scholars by the Bakar Fellows Program. The scholars will gain hands-on translational research experience, mentorship from Bakar Faculty and Innovation Fellows, and financial support to launch their careers in STEM fields.