70+
PARTICIPATING FACULTY MEMBERS
16
COOPERATING DEPARTMENTS
10
RESEARCH FACILITIES
Mission & Vision
The mission of the Graduate Program in Cell, Molecular and Developmental Biology (CMDB) is to prepare students for successful research careers in the life sciences, leading to awarding of M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Our curriculum emphasizes comprehensive and interdisciplinary training in experimental biology at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels, coupled with acquisition of the laboratory skills necessary to generate new knowledge as a research scientist.
Our Research
The Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program offers both Doctoral and Masters of Science degrees with a heavy dose of research in basic, applied, agricultural, and biomedical sciences. Our life sciences researchers have access to a genomics institute (with facilities of nucleotide and peptide synthesis, DNA sequencing and cell transformation), cutting-edge microscopy, and a bioinformatics core. Be it bioethics, proteomics or plant cell pathology, the partnerships between faculty and students at CMDB keep them at the forefront of their fields.
MCSB News
May 28, 2026
High-puff e-cigarettes may become more toxic with use
Researchers warn that repeated vaping can create harmful byproducts linked to lung cell damage
May 20, 2026
Scientists identify brain circuit that helps us “change gears”
UC Riverside study shows how the brain abandons outdated strategies and adapts to new rules
May 01, 2026
Early human embryonic cells may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection
Study finds early-stage ectoderm cells are especially susceptible, raising questions about potential developmental risks
October 23, 2025
Hidden toxins in e-cigarette fluids may harm lung cells
UC Riverside research reveals that common vaping ingredient can form chemicals that damage airway tissue even at low levels
July 01, 2025
Pair of malaria parasite proteins could lead to therapies
A University of California, Riverside-led team has made an advance in the basic understanding of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of human malaria, that could make novel, highly targeted anti-malarial therapies possible.
May 28, 2025
New study highlights health risks of ultrasonic cigarettes
UC Riverside researchers find harmful metals in u-cigarettes’ liquids and aerosols
March 27, 2025
Pregnant women advised to avoid mentholated e-cigarettes
Vaping during pregnancy is becoming more common, but its impact on early human development is not well understood. A new study by scientists at the University of California, Riverside, now reports that the flavor chemical menthol used in electronic cigarettes could pose risks to a developing baby.
March 05, 2025
Enhancing mosquito repellent effectiveness
Two NIH grants to UC Riverside support a machine learning approach to identify insect repellents