Biological Chemistry Education
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Partner With Us to Advance Molecular Understanding

We strive to provide trainee-centered educational programs emphasizing mentoring and scientific engagement.
Build a solid foundation for success in Biomedical Science

In teaching, training and research, the U-M Medical School Department of Biological Chemistry is advancing the understanding of biological processes. Cross-campus collaboration between departments and laboratories creates an environment where future scientific leaders learn and grow. Where discoveries translate into real change.

Our studies of biology at the molecular and mechanistic levels span disciplines including biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology, bioinformatics, neurobiology, genetics and more.

Discover how the building blocks of life can serve as the solid foundation for your success.
Training & Education
PhD Program

Our diverse program pairs broad scientific training with highly specialized research.

Postdoctoral Training

Participate in our seminar series, annual research retreat, and year-round social events while advancing your scientific career.

MS Program

Two tracks of learning, research or coursework, build a solid academic foundation.

Undergraduate Students

Explore our courses and research opportunities for undergraduate students.

"Our future is clearly in terrific hands as these young colleagues advance their science while working together to strengthen and diversify our community."

Department of Biological Chemistry Chair
Chair Phyllis Hanson seated and smiling in a laboratory
Biological Chemistry Awards for Trainees

These honors recognize excellence in scholarship, research, and service and connect today's trainees with former departmental leaders and scientists who endowed them.

Learn about our awards
Upcoming Events View all events
Graduate Student Research Seminar - Kira Holton
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a research seminar by senior graduate student Kira Holton.
2025 MS Program in Biological Chemistry Research Symposium
Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for research presentations by our graduating MS students.
Dissertation Defense - Rosa Angelica Romero
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a Dissertation Defense by PhD Candidate Rosa Angelica Romero.
Dissertation Defense - Jacquelyn R. Roberts
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a Dissertation Defense by PhD Candidate Jacquelyn R. Roberts.
Graduate Student Research Seminar - Jackline Onyango
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a research seminar by senior graduate student Jackline Onyango.
Graduate Student Research Seminar - Mason Myers
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a research seminar by senior graduate student Mason Myers.
Graduate Student Research Seminar - Arkajit Guha
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a research seminar by senior graduate student Arkajit Guha.
Biological Chemistry News & Stories See all news AAA&S logo
Department News
Janet Smith, PhD, elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences
U-M Biological Chemistry Professor Janet Smith has been honored with membership in the American Academy of Arts & Sciences for her scientific excellence, innovation and leadership.
 RNA strand in purple on black background
Health Lab
A structural biologist weighs in on the tricky task of determining RNA’s shape
A recent article in Nature details why the quest to determine the shapes of RNA is difficult even for artificial intelligence.
 National Science Foundation logo
Department News
Six PhD students in Biological Chemistry labs receive honors from the National Science Foundation
Six students affiliated with the U-M Department of Biological Chemistry have been recognized by the National Science Foundation
 headshot Seokmu Kwon
Department News
Chemical Engineering PhD student Seokmu Kwon of the Giessen lab receives two awards
U-M Chemical Engineering PhD student Seokmu Kwon of the Giessen lab receives honors.
 headshot of Jeanne Stuckey
Department News
Jeanne Stuckey, PhD, honored with a student-nominated teaching award
Research Professor Jeanne Stuckey of the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School is a 2025 recipient of an Honored Instructor Award sponsored by Michigan Housing.
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Medical School News
Three Medical School faculty members receive Young Physician-Scientist Awards from American Society for Clinical Investigation
Three Medical School faculty members are among a group of 50 nationwide to receive Young Physician-Scientist Awards from the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Nora V. Becker, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of internal medicine in the Division of General Medicine; Wassim Walid Labaki, M.D., M.S., an assistant professor of internal medicine in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine; and John R. Prensner, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics and biological chemistry, are recipients of the annual award, which recognizes physician-scientists who are within 1-5 years of their first faculty appointment and have made notable achievements in their research.