Welcome to MCDB!

The Section of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology (MCDB) is one of four units in the School of Biological Sciences. Other Sections are Integrative Biology, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Neurobiology.

MCDB faculty head research groups studying fundamental biological processes using modern tools of genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental biology.

Students and postdocs from around the world work with MCDB faculty. Graduate students enter through one of several graduate programs, and postdocs are recruited by individual labs. Many undergraduate students work on research projects in MCDB labs. Research training is enhanced by variety of journal clubs, inter lab research meetings and seminars.

Recent news

Future of Algae 10/01/11 U.T. Making a Big Bet on the Future of Algae Just off a dirt road in northwest Austin stand hundreds of 12-foot-tall tubes filled with green liquid. Nearly 15,000 gallons of algae grow inside the tubes, which are housed in a massive structure called a shadehouse. Lab workers have to climb ladders to peek inside and tend to the tiny organisms.
Regents Award 06/24/11 Dr. Jeff Gross (MCDB), Dr. Marty Shankland (MCDB), and Dr. Dee Silverthorn (SBS) have all been awarded Regents' Outstanding Teaching Awards for 2011...
Jeff Chen

09/15/10 Improving Cotton the Goal of $3.8 Million Grant To University of Texas at Austin Plant Geneticist…

John Wallingford

07/30/10 Researching cell movements in developing frogs, John Wallingford (MCDB) and colleagues have revealed…