Life Inspiring

At the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

We seek answers to fundamental questions about how organisms work and the many implications for life. Through a rich culture of collaboration, we drive new discoveries in human health and empower students with the critical and analytical skills needed for successful careers.

MCB News

Group photo of University of Illinois scientists who are receiving the HHMI research funding for influenza research
University of Illinois scientists win $9.5 million to study emerging pathogens
Aquatic birds, especially ducks, can carry influenza viruses but they don’t often become severely ill, leading scientists to wonder how their immune systems act as a reservoir for a highly infectious and pathogenic virus, but the birds remain relatively unharmed. Additionally, could the immune...
Exterior of Beckman Institute at nighttime. Lights in the building are on and trees along path to the building are illuminated.
Research: Reading for pleasure can strengthen memory in older adults
Baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, but in rankings of the most popular hobbies, reading is more consistently ranked highly. It’s not hard to see why: Reading is simultaneously engaging and relaxing, and it’s fun to do alone and with friends. A team of researchers at the ...

Microbiology professor Cari Vanderpool and PhD student Sabrina Abdulla
New role of small RNAs in Salmonella infections uncovered
Salmonella are food-borne pathogens that infect millions of people a year. To do so, these bacteria depend on a complex network of genes and gene products that allow them to sense environmental conditions. In a new paper, researchers have investigated the role of small RNAs that help ...
Jongsook Kim Kemper
Meet MCB: Professor Jongsook Kim Kemper
Dr. Kemper is Professor Emeritus of Molecular & Integrative Physiology. Her lab focuses on metabolic signaling and epigenomic control of metabolism and energy balance. How did you first get interested in science? I was always interested in...
Exterior shot of the School of MCB's Chemical & Life Sciences Building during summertime.
School of MCB celebrates undergraduate student achievements
The School of MCB is proud to recognize research and academic achievements of its undergraduate students. The following December 2022 graduates earned Highest Distinction for Research in the School of MCB: Emma Ibanez, PI: Dr. Justin Rhodes The following students earned...
Alokananda Ray, a postdoctoral researcher in the Li lab (left) with Xin Li, an assistant professor of cell and developmental biology.
Researchers investigate neuron differentiation in fruit fly brains
The brains of all higher order animals are filled with a diverse array of neuron types, with specific shapes and functions. Yet, when these brains form during embryonic development, there is initially only a small pool of cell types to work with. So how do neurons diversify over the embryo’s...
Drs. Kristen Flatt and Yiwu Zheng sit at a computer monitor. They are looking at the monitor, with Dr. Satish Nair standing behind them looking at the screen as well.
Researchers discover previously undetected role of protein in peptide biosynthesis
Imagine walking into a bakery, ready to satisfy your chocolate craving. You walk up to the counter, peer in through the glass, and point out a cookie in the front that you’d like to order. But then, as the tongs pull the chunky chocolate chip cookie back, you spot something even better behind it: a...
Tony Waldrop
In Memoriam: Tony Waldrop, physiologist and university leader
With deep sadness, the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology shares the news of the death of physiologist and university administrator Tony Waldrop. He passed away on Dec. 3, 2022, in Chapel Hill, NC, according to news reports. Waldrop...
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Innovative education

Our mission is to empower students. In MCB you will receive a rigorous education and you can tailor a curriculum according to your passions. Our alumni have become physicians, researchers at top-tier institutions, and business leaders. They've launched biotechnology start-ups and founded free healthcare clinics. They are changing the world. You can, too.

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A community of collaborators

Impactful research

We are at the forefront of life-changing biomedical research. Combatting infectious diseases like the novel coronavirus and influenza. Uncovering insights into neurological and metabolic disorders. Developing new treatments for diseases such as breast cancer. New and exciting research programs are being developed in neuroscience, immunology, microbial sciences, developmental biology, mechanobiology, and much more. Faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates are all part of the MCB research community.

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Commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion

Diversity within the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology drives the innovation that keeps our research at the forefront of scientific discovery. However, we recognize that societal, academic, and structural barriers have often kept talented individuals out of our community. We are committed to eliminating these barriers and supporting students and scientists of all backgrounds.

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