Developing outstanding science and scientists to solve critical biological questions of the world.

Developing outstanding science and scientists to solve critical biological questions of the world.

Hartenstein Lab (Jaison Omoto)

Drosophila larval brain. Neuropil glia in green.

The Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology advances our knowledge of life on earth at the cellular and molecular levels.  Our mission is to educate the next generation of scholars, professionals, and citizens of the world by fully integrating our students into cutting-edge research activities, including hands-on participation in the process of scientific discovery. Our faculty conducts research with a variety of models including Arabidopsis, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse and stem cells to address the most pressing problems in biology, health and sustainability.

News

Amander Clark recipient of the 2026 Research Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction!

April 22, 2026

Two Bruins Selected as Goldwater Scholars

April 13, 2026

Kristen Hanson Memorial Scholarship 2025-2026

March 16, 2026

FDA clears UCLA heart tissue regeneration drug AD-NP1 for clinical trials

October 7, 2025

In Memoriam

Seminars

April 30, 2026 – 4pm-5pm
159 Boyer Hall

MBI Thursday Research Seminar |Sara Lustigman, PhD | Hosted by Elissa Hallem and Matthew Moser

“Integrated innovative intervention strategies to enhance anti-filarial efficacy and support the elimination of River Blindness”


May 7, 2026 – 4pm-5pm
159 Boyer Hall

MBI Thursday Research Seminar |Amanda Hargrove, PhD | Hosted by Douglas Black

“TBD”


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AFFILIATED PARTNERS

 Holistic Evaluation of Teaching (HET) initiativeOur department proudly participates in the UCLA Teaching and Learning Center’s (TLC) Holistic Evaluation of Teaching initiative to inspire, support, and evaluate instructors as they strive to deliver engaging, equitable, learning-centered teaching.