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.

Cell & Developmental Biology News

Jaesung You, Jie Chen, Rashid Bashir
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...
Headshot of Boxuan Zhao
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...
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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...
Jhewelle Fitz-Henley stands outside Burrill Hall for headshot
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...
Brian Freeman poses for headshot, smiling, outside.
Researchers identify new patterns of cell interactions with molecular chaperone
Through a new approach of cross-linking cell proteins directly to a protein of interest, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s School of Molecular & Cellular Biology have distinguished new patterns of cell interactions with a molecular chaperone.   Molecular chaperones...
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MCB faculty awarded named scholar appointments
The College of LAS has awarded more than 25 professors, including three from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, with named scholar positions for their contributions to education and research at the University of Illinois.  The awardees from MCB are as follows: LAS...

Department head Supriya Prasanth

Welcome from the department head

A message from Supriya Prasanth, professor and head of the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology.
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View the most recent journal articles from department faculty via PubMed.
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PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology

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.

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Meet MCB's Cell & Developmental Biology Community

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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....
PhD student Temirlan Shilikbay, wearing a U of I mask, holds up a slide and observes it.
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...
Yejing Ge
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...

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