Interview with Tycho Mevissen, MCB's new Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, on his background, his lab's research, and future goals. 
 

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 MCB Outstanding Postdoc Awards! Each year, the department honors postdocs for excellence in research, leadership, and service. 

Thomas Li (Bateup Lab) studies the neurodevelopmental disorder Tuberous Sclerosis Complex using stem cell derived models of brain development.
 

Research from the labs of Professors Gloria Brar and Elçin Ünal offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying gametogenic rejuvenation.
 

Helen Bateup, Associate Professor of Molecular Therapeutics, and her lab are utilizing human brain organoid models to identify the underlying source of seizures in a common pediatric early-onset epilepsy, paving the way for promising treatment strategies.
 

Fyodor Urnov, Professor of Molecular Therapeutics, was honored with the 2026 UC Regents Innovation Gamechanger Award. The Gamechanger Award, recognizing the most impactful product brought to market, went to Urnov for pioneering custom gene therapies for children with rare diseases. By creating a new model that cuts personalized CRISPR development costs by 90%, Urnov has drastically expanded global access to these life-saving treatments. Read more about the 2026 UC Regents Innovation Awards and recipients here.  

Researchers in the lab of Jennifer Doudna at the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) have identified an evolutionary precursor to the CRISPR system, solving a complex genetic puzzle through a blend of artificial intelligence and human analysis. 
 

Hernan Garcia, Associate Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development, has been named a 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath by Schmidt Sciences. Garcia is among seven other scientists who received the award to pursue novel directions beyond their established areas of research. Learn more about the 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath award and recipients here. 

 

Congratulations to Gokul Upadhyayula on his promotion to MCB Associate Professor in Residence of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology!

Upadhyayula's research interests focus on bridging applied engineering with basic science. They are interested in mechanistic questions addressed at a molecular level using optical imaging acquired with high temporal and spatial resolution. Learn more about their research and the Advanced BioImaging Center (ABC) here. 

MCB is pleased to welcome our newest PhD graduate students to the department! Learn fun facts about their favorite model organisms, childhood career aspirations, and more. 
 

Photo credit: Shoey Sindel Photography
 

Interested in becoming a UC Berkeley faculty member in MCB? We are now accepting applications for Assistant Professor positions across three divisions in MCB:
 

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BBS)

Assistant Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development (GGED)

Assistant Professor of Immunology and Molecular Medicine (IMM)
 

Click the links or scan the QR codes to learn more and apply by October 19, 2026. 

Jennifer Doudna, Professor of Molecular Therapeutics, was recently named a 2026 American Chemical Society (ACS) fellow. The ACS Fellows Program recognizes ACS members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and made substantial contributions to science, the chemical profession, and the American Chemical Society. Read more about the 2026 ACS fellows here. 
 

Three MCB postdoctoral researchers are among the 33 early-career scientists selected for the Life Sciences Research Foundation's (LSRF) prestigious postdoctoral fellowships as part of its 2026 class. 
 

The MCB recipients include:

Jean Jacobs (Zoncu Lab): Valhalla Foundation Fellow
Jack Liu (Whiteman Lab): Simons Foundation International Fellow
Feng Yuan (Drubin Lab): Robertson Foundation Fellow
 

The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) has announced that five MCB faculty are among the ASCB 2026 award winners and fellows. Recipients will receive their awards during the Cell Bio meeting in San Diego, California, in December 2026. 
 

Priya Moorjani, Associate Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development, and her lab have developed a novel genomic analysis method that identified DNA inherited from two previously unknown ancient human relatives and established a timeline for these interbreeding events, providing new insights into the complexity of human evolution.