Plant & Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley

09/17/2026

Congrats to plant and microbial biology postdoctoral researcher
Emily Kibby on receiving the Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship to support her research on the molecular mechanisms of viral satellites in ESKAPE pathogens! https://plantandmicrobiology.berkeley.edu/news/emily-kibby-selected-helen-hay-whitney-fellowship

09/16/2026

Calling all PMB alumni and current students! Please share your updates for our 2026 newsletter via this form by October 5th! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDuPheES4OzcClPmJGYMZR_UcRlsOzmOcCvwnpAP8IDTodxg/viewform?usp=dialog

10/15/2025

Over the past four years, genetics and plant biology major Yaeko Long has embraced a wide array of opportunities—both in and out of the classroom—that UC Berkeley has to offer.

Yaeko has performed alongside the nearly 200 members of the University of California Marching Band since first setting foot on campus, explored the fungal world through courses from leading faculty in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology and as a member of the student-run UC Berkeley Mycology Club, and documented some of their Berkeley highlights using their passion for photography.

Read our latest student spotlight to learn more about Yaeko's UC Berkeley experience: https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/student-spotlight-yaeko-long

06/12/2025

Calling all PMB alumni and current students! Please share your updates for our 2025 newsletter via this form by August 15! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDuPheES4OzcClPmJGYMZR_UcRlsOzmOcCvwnpAP8IDTodxg/viewform

05/07/2025

Some photos from the reception honoring Professor Brian Staskawicz, 2025 Wolf Prize in Agriculture Recipient. More info on the prize: https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/2025/03/brian-staskawicz-awarded-wolf-prize-agriculture Photo by Mathew Burciaga.

05/07/2025

03/13/2025

Help PMB shine bright today during by making a gift to the Graduate Student Support Fund! When 25 gifts of any size are made, 14 PMB professors will contribute nearly $12,000 to help fund student researchers at the forefront of plant biology and microbiology. Your support will help ensure that our two top-ranked graduate programs remain competitive in recruiting and retaining the very best. https://givingday.berkeley.edu/giving-day/90821/department/91209

10/08/2024

Former PMB postdoctoral scholar Mat Fisher's innovative application of genetics and genomics has provided new insights into how fungal species form, migrate across the planet’s surface, and drive emerging diseases in human, wildlife, and plant species.

Matthew Fisher traces the evolution of fungi across space and time to combat the diseases they drive.

10/03/2024

Nearly $13 million in funding announced today will establish the International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center at UC Berkeley.

10/01/2024

Less than 1% of biologically active small molecules found in plants and microbes have been understood by science. Alum Lee Chae of brightseed is dedicated to uncovering the potential of the remaining 99% to benefit human health

Lee Chae utilizes AI to map and tap plant bioactive compounds that could potentially benefit human health.