Department of Biological Chemistry
Decoding the Molecular Mechanisms of Life and Health for Over a Century

Join the ranks of leading scientific researchers in a diverse quest to understand biological phenomena in molecular detail.

Biological Chemistry Hds Lab Area. Girl uses dropper to put liquid into small test tube
United on a Journey of Discovery

The Department of Biological Chemistry is dedicated to advancing the molecular understanding of biological processes. We do that through cutting-edge research, in tandem with teaching and training undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and medical students. 

We want our whole community to have every opportunity to thrive. That means a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all of our ranks. Because the most innovative and impactful discoveries are born from all of our unique perspectives, tackling challenges together. 

Contact Us
Department of Biological Chemistry
5301 MSRB III
1150 W. Medical Center Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0600
Phone: 734-647-6180
About Us

Read about our department’s history pioneering the study of life, health, and disease at a molecular level.

Education

Learn more about our PhD and Master's programs, and about opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and undergraduates.

Research

Explore our interdisciplinary research projects addressing important biomedical questions.

People

Access our directory of faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Events

View our upcoming seminars and events.

Giving

Partner with us to move molecular science and medicine forward.

Biochemistry students look at a research poster at an event Read Our Recent Newsletters

Stay informed about our department’s accomplishments and the progress we’re making in our mission.

  • Department Newsletters
  • cover of 2024 newsletter from the Biological Chemistry department
    Spotlight On
    2024 Biological Chemistry News & Review

    Find out about key milestones, notable achievements,
    and vibrant activities of the year in our just released department newsletter.

    These are challenging times, but the potential and need for progress in fundamental science have never been greater.

    Department of Biological Chemistry Chair
    Chair Phyllis Hanson seated and smiling in a laboratory
    Upcoming Events View all events
    Dr. Haoxi Wu, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Haoxi Wu from MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.
    headshot of Haoxi Wu
    711 Seminar - Riley Bigger
    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts the 711 Graduate Seminar Paper Analysis presented by Riley Bigger.
    711 Seminar - Brenna Saladin
    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts the 711 Graduate Seminar Paper Analysis presented by Brenna Saladin.
    711 Seminar - Alice Youle
    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts the 711 Graduate Seminar Paper Analysis presented by Alice Youle.
    711 Seminar - Thejas Nair
    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts the 711 Graduate Seminar Paper Analysis presented by Thejas Nair.
    Dr. Weikai Li, Washington University in St. Louis
    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Weikai Li from Washington University in St. Louis.
    headshot of Weikai Li
    Dissertation Defense - Yulduz Rakibova
    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a Dissertation Defense by PhD Candidate Yulduz Rakibova.
    711 Seminar - Kimberly Edicha
    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts the 711 Graduate Seminar Paper Analysis presented by Kimberly Edicha.
    711 Seminar - Esme Lowry
    The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts the 711 Graduate Seminar Paper Analysis presented by Esme Lowry.
    Biological Chemistry News & STORIES See all news outline of a child and dna floating around purple shadowing some dark navy
    Health Lab
    Researchers tackle rare, aggressive tumors in children
    ATRT are rare, aggressive tumors. A lot of research has been done in identifying their cause and there are good therapies available. However, more research needs to be done. This is a Q&A article to raise awareness about ATRT and highlight the current research.
    model for proteins binding viral RNA
    Department News
    PhD student Zoe Yeoh publishes a research article in PNAS
    U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Zoe Yeoh is the first author of a research article in PNAS.
    outdoor photo of Debra Thompson
    Department News
    Debra Thompson, PhD, retires from active faculty status
    Congratulations and best wishes to Debra Thompson, PhD, Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry and Professor Emerita of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
    headshot of Mason Myers
    Department News
    PhD student Mason Myers receives a predoctoral fellowship from the National Institutes of Health
    U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Mason Myers of the Zhang lab receives a predoctoral fellowship.
    CureSearch logo
    Department News
    John Prensner, MD, PhD, receives a Young Investigator Award from CureSearch for Children's Cancer
    Assistant Professor John Prensner of the Departments of Pediatrics and Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School is the recipient of funding from CureSearch for Children's Cancer.
    headshot of Emily Ellinger, PhD
    Department News
    Congratulations to Emily Ellinger, PhD
    Biological Chemistry PhD student Emily Ellinger of the Walter lab defends her doctoral dissertation.
    Giving back to BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY

    Every dollar donated helps us to continue making breakthroughs as a national leader in biochemical research. There are so many ways your financial gifts help to support our work, from bringing world-class lectures to campus to enabling graduate student innovation and providing resources that take our faculty research programs to the next level. Donated funds are an essential foundation of our mission and community.

    Make a difference
    LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

    The University of Michigan is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people. In 1817, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Bodewadmi Nations made the largest single land transfer to the University of Michigan, offered ceremonially through the Treaty at the Foot of the Rapids, with the intent that their children might be educated. We acknowledge their contemporary and ancestral ties to the land and this integral contribution to the University.