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 U-M Medical School Department of Biological Chemistry is dedicated to advancing the molecular understanding of biological processes. We do that through 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. 

Explore our rich history, recent news, current events, educational programs, inclusion opportunities and the cutting-edge work underway in our laboratories. 

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, students, and postdoctoral fellows.

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

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

  • Department Newsletters
  • Quote and photo of RNA Featured Researcher Mason Myers
    Spotlight On
    PhD Student Mason Myers, RNA Featured Researcher

    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
    Department of Biological Chemistry 2024 Retreat
    The annual Department of Biological Chemistry Retreat will be held at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center.
    Aerial view of Maumee Bay Lodge
    Biological Chemistry News & STORIES See all news Headshots of two new Genetics Training Program members
    Department News
    Graduate students Ross Kaufhold and Ben Pockrass chosen for training program positions
    Two Biological Chemistry graduate students receive positions in the Genetics Training Program for the 2024–2025 academic year.
    headshot of Jenna Veenstra
    Department News
    Congratulations to Jenna Veenstra, PhD
    Biological Chemistry PhD student Jenna Veenstra of the O'Brien lab at U-M Medical School defends her doctoral dissertation.
    headshot of Cassandra Dutcher
    Department News
    Congratulations to Cassandra Dutcher, PhD
    Biological Chemistry PhD student Cassandra Dutcher of the Giessen lab at U-M Medical School defends her doctoral dissertation.
    Headshot of Renke Tan
    Department News
    Congratulations to Renke Tan, PhD
    Biological Chemistry PhD student Renke Tan of the Zhang lab at U-M Medical School defends her doctoral thesis.
    Headshot of Michael Uhler
    Department News
    Michael Uhler, PhD, retires from active faculty status
    Congratulations and best wishes to Michael Uhler, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry and Research Professor Emeritus, Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
    Headshots of three PhD students
    Department News
    PhD students Megan Medina, Tyler Brant, and Ashley Scheutzow chosen for training program positions
    Three Biological Chemistry PhD students receive positions in training programs for the 2024–2025 academic year.
    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.