In the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology

We study how cells grow and divide, assemble, and function to form multicellular organisms. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we investigate fundamental biological questions and are dedicated to training and educating students in modern molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, developmental biology, and neuro-cognitive sciences.

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Cell & Developmental Biology News

Read article: Unveiling the Role of SNUL RNAs in Ribosomal RNA Expression Regulation
Unveiling the Role of SNUL RNAs in Ribosomal RNA Expression Regulation
A new study by University of Illinois scientist Dr. Kannanganattu V. Prasanth and his team of researchers at Illinois and across multiple institutions has shed light on a novel family of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), and their significant...
Read article: Meet Haiting Ma, new professor in cell and developmental biology
Meet Haiting Ma, new professor in cell and developmental biology
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology are pleased to welcome Haiting Ma as an assistant professor...
Read article: Research sheds light on molecular pathway driving muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy
Research sheds light on molecular pathway driving muscle weakness in muscular dystrophy
University of Illinois researchers have uncovered a molecular mechanism that influences muscle weakness in a mouse model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common inherited neuromuscular disease and one of the most severe forms of inherited muscular dystrophies. The genetic disorder causes...
Read article: Meet Boxuan Zhao, new professor in cell and developmental biology
Meet Boxuan Zhao, new professor in cell and developmental biology
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Cell & Developmental Biology are pleased to welcome Boxuan Zhao as an assistant professor of cell and developmental biology. He will join us in...
Read article: Bringing cells to life … and to Minecraft: $30 million NSF grant supports whole-cell modeling research
Bringing cells to life … and to Minecraft: $30 million NSF grant supports whole-cell modeling research
A new research center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will create whole-cell models that promise to transform our understanding of how cells function. With cutting-edge imaging and simulation tools, the center will advance the study of healthy and diseased cells; accelerate research...
Read article: Meet MCB: Jhewelle Fitz-Henley, PhD
Meet MCB: Jhewelle Fitz-Henley, PhD
Dr. Jhewelle Fitz-Henley joined the School of MCB in August 2023 as Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Outreach. She recently met with MCB PhD student Quang Nguyen to talk about her journey in science and...
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Become a skilled, creative biologist

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PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology

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Our program is designed to set the foundation for a future scholar or industry leader to uncover new knowledge in the field, critically analyze scientific data in molecular life sciences, communicate the significance of biological phenomena, and lead research and development efforts to enhance human health.

Upcoming Cell & Developmental Biology Events

Meet MCB's Cell & Developmental Biology Community

Read article: Meet MCB: Professor Brian Freeman brings molecular chaperone expertise to Illinois
Meet MCB: Professor Brian Freeman brings molecular chaperone expertise to Illinois
Urbana, Ill. – Cancer Center at Illinois scientist and professor of cell and developmental biology, Brian Freeman, has focused his research on the study of molecular chaperones (MCs) since the beginning of his career as a graduate student when chaperones were thought to have no medicinal purpose....
Read article: Meet MCB: Temirlan Shilikbay, cell & developmental biology PhD student
Meet MCB: Temirlan Shilikbay, cell & developmental biology PhD student
The School of MCB is proud to highlight our graduate students, including Temirlan Shilikbay, now in his third year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a PhD candidate in professor Stephanie Ceman's...
Read article: Meet MCB: Yejing Ge, PhD, CDB, '12, professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Meet MCB: Yejing Ge, PhD, CDB, '12, professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center
Meet Yejing Ge, PhD ’12, now a professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas Tell us about your current position and what research questions are you and your students...