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

John Katzenellenbogen, left, Benita Katzenellenbogen, right, stand together in front of a lab bench, smiling for the camera.
Experts boost activity of potential therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Less than 20% of diagnosed breast cancers are designated “triple-negative,” meaning that the affected tissues lack three types of receptors often found in other breast cancer types, but TNBCs are often aggressive with ...
Ruben Sanchez-Nieves stands smiling in the foyer of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.
Meet MCB: Ruben Sanchez-Nieves
Even in the most extreme locations, life can thrive. Microbes called thermophiles are able to colonize environments that are extremely hot, with temperatures above 75 °C (167 °F), and acidity of 3.5 pH or lower. Ruben Sanchez-Nieves, a 6th year PhD candidate in the lab of Rachel Whitaker (IGOH), a...

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...
Rachel Whitaker in the Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.
Context matters: Whitaker combines her passions for microbiology and education to better understand our world
Microbes, human beings, and the many systems we inhabit, from farms to factories and hospitals to high schools, are all connected. Working in natural environments, research labs, and local communities, Rachel Whitaker has been...
Photo of PhD student Robbie Ingram and Professor Catherine Christian-Hinman
New study suggests link between temporal lobe epilepsy and reproductive endocrine dysfunction
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of epilepsy in adults, and patients often experience reproductive endocrine comorbidities, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and menstrual cycle disruption. In a new study from the...
A graduate teaching assistant works in the lab with students looking over shoulder. She is silhouetted with a blue shadow.
School of MCB ranked in "Degrees of the Future 2022" list
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology has been recognized nationally for its degrees built for the future.  Gizmodo released its list of top-ranked "Degrees of the Future 2022" in August. The news outlet partnered with the independent market research...
Emad Tajkhorshid poses by journal covers
NIH renews support for computational work that advances biomedical research
Since its launch more than three decades ago, researchers with the Macromolecular Modeling and Bioinformatics Center at the University of Illinois have developed powerful modeling, simulation, and visualization software tools that help researchers better understand...
Jeanne Goldberg at a beach
'Transformative' education: Dr. Jeanne Goldberg on her journey to radiology and why she supports MCB 
As she viewed the radiograph in Decatur Memorial Hospital’s Radiology Department’s reading room, Jeanne Bullock Goldberg was fascinated by what she saw: the bones and innermost details of a hand. It was 1965, and having just graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School, she had applied for a...
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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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