University of Illinois School of Molecular & Cellular Biology

06/03/2026

Registration is now open for the School of MCB Graduate Research Retreat!

The event is on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the I Hotel in Champaign.
🗓 Register to present by July 7
🗓 Register to attend by August 7

This event brings together researchers from across the school, highlights their investigations, and fosters meaningful scientific discussions. It’s a great chance to learn about new developments and discoveries in the field and to connect with colleagues.

Our keynote speaker will be Illinois alumna Dr. Deborah Paul. Dr. Paul enjoyed a long and successful career as a biochemist and director of business development and licensing at Abbott Laboratories.

Registration via link in bio and via go.mcb.illinois.edu/retreat!

06/01/2026

Please welcome Kristie Stramaski, Senior Coordinator of Career Advising, to the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology! She will be working with undergraduate and graduate students.

"I hope to help students feel more confident and informed as they navigate both their academic and career paths," she said. "For many students, these processes can feel overwhelming or unclear, especially when they are balancing multiple responsibilities or facing uncertainty about the future.

"My goal is to provide clear guidance, practical tools, and individualized support so that students can make decisions that align with their interests, strengths, and long-term goals. I also want to help students see the connection between what they are learning and the opportunities available to them beyond graduation, empowering them to take an active role in shaping their own paths.

More about Kristie, this new role in the school, and her goals:
https://mcb.illinois.edu/news/2026-06-01/meet-kristie-stramaski-new-career-advisor-school-mcb

05/28/2026

A big round of applause for Sameer Abbasi! 👏 As a recipient of the prestigious Boren Scholarship, he’ll be spending the summer learning Swahili in Tanzania. 🌍

Between studying for his MCB courses at the Grainger Engineering Library and playing soccer at the turf fields, Abbasi developed an interest in global health aid by participating in the Global Leaders Program in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

“The Boren Award is a natural progression of my personal and professional goals in global health. It’ll equip me with the skills to communicate in my region of interest without a language barrier, which will allow for a better way to establish trust and understanding,” Abbasi said.

Read more about his travel and career plans via the link in our bio!

05/22/2026

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences has recognized three of our faculty members who engage in infectious disease modeling, neurobiology and gene expression studies, and who research the molecular machines that play an important role in cancer biology.

Congrats to these three!
Xin Li: Named a Conrad Professorial Scholar
Pamela Martinez: Recipient of an LAS Interdisciplinary Research Award
Kevin Van Bortle: Named a Lincoln Excellence for Assistant Professors (LEAP) Scholar

Link in bio for more about their research and teaching endeavors.

05/17/2026

Congratulations to all our students graduating with distinction. Bravo!

05/17/2026

05/15/2026

A bonus 2️⃣3️⃣ Questions, convocation edition! 🎓🧡💙 MCB alumnus Dr. Guy Padbury earned his PhD from in biochemistry in 1988 and is returning this weekend to campus as our convocation speaker for the on Sunday!

Before that, we caught up with Guy to talk about where he got his start, John Mellencamp , Lithuania, and his favorite pub on campus ☘️

Cheers to the class of 2026! 🍻

05/12/2026

✅ Graduating 🎓
✅ Took their DAT 🦷
✅ Took their mCAT 🩺
✅ Got high distinction on their senior thesis 📝
(...and so much more)

MCB, you've accomplished A LOT this year and we're so proud of each and every one of you 🎂🥳

Comment what you'd put in the accomplishment cake!!

05/05/2026

SEARCH EXTENDED TO MAY 15!

We are hiring a financial analyst! This person will perform professional-level financial and administrative duties that support the business operations of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology.

More on the position and how to apply:
https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16482

05/01/2026

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be an MCB undergrad, look no further. 👨‍🔬🔬

For these 2️⃣3️⃣ Questions, we've got undergraduate Jayden telling us about his life as a pre-optometry MCB student (including studying for the Optometry Admission Test), photographer, member of the Learning & Language Lab, and how he balances it all.