Cell & Developmental Biology Education

A female CDB researcher looks through a microscope

A Career in the Building Blocks of Life Itself

The U-M Medical School Department of Cell & Developmental Biology invests in the future of humankind by supporting and educating the scientists of tomorrow.

Focused on the Fundamentals

As a PhD student in the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, you won’t just study biology, you’ll partner with world-class faculty to push the boundaries of biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll join a collaborative community asking the fundamental questions that drive discovery and transform lives.

Here, you will:

  • Work with faculty engaged in innovative, discovery-driven research.
  • Benefit from exceptional mentorship and support to help your growth and advancement.
  • Access federally funded research opportunities at one of the world’s top NIH-funded programs located within a premier research institution.
  • Train in a highly regarded, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare you for success.
  • Develop professional and outreach skills while exploring wide-ranging career paths in academia, industry, and beyond.
  • Earn recognition and funding through competitive awards and achievements that support your training.
  • Live in a great place to call home, Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with world-class food, recreation, culture, and entertainment.

PhD Program

Learn the advantages of pursuing your PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology.

Postdoctoral Fellows

Expand your skills, develop independence and carve your career trajectory.

Resources

Watch videos, connect with program directors and access onboarding guides.

Life in CDB: Science & Community
CDB student Jeff shared what his loves about CDB

What Jeff loves about CDB

Jeff joined CDB because he loves the people at CDB.

Watch Jeff's video
Ian in a dark laboratory looking at a computer screen that is displaying cells under a microscope

Power of Collaboration

Ian McCue, PhD candidate: Embracing collaboration in and out of the lab

Read Ian's interview
Hy Do holding a bottle of champaign up in celebration, wearing graduation attire

Life in Science

Hy Do, PhD candidate: Learning life and science one step at a time

Read Hy's interview
An illustration of Brittany Salazar

You're Stronger Than You Think

PhD student Brittany Salazar shares her journey in CDB.

Watch Brittany's video

Connect with Cell & Developmental Biology
students on campus

Benefits & Wellness Resources
  • Financial Support & Benefits
  • Health & Wellness
  • Life in Ann Arbor

    • Featured News & Stories

     See all news     Drs. Brent Hollenbeck, Todd Morgan, and Billy Tsai
    Medical School News

    Regents approve Urology acting chairs, Cell and Developmental Biology interim chair

    The Board of Regents on Oct. 15 approved the appointments of two acting chairs and one interim chair in the Medical School. Effective Sept. 18, Brent K. Hollenbeck, M.D. M.S., is acting chair of the Department of Urology through Feb. 28, 2027. Effective March 1, 2027, Todd M. Morgan, M.D., will assume the role of acting chair. Billy Tsai, Ph.D., is interim chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, effective Sept. 9.
         cells close up blue and green background microscope
    Health Lab

    Engineered nanoparticles sensitize gliomas to radiotherapy

    University of Michigan researchers discovered a new pathway that sensitizes mIDH1 gliomas to radiation in human and mouse mIDH1 glioma cells and mouse models, paving the way for phase 1 clinical trials in humans
         Thanh Hoang
    Medical School News

    Thanh Hoang named Pew Biomedical Scholar

    The Pew Charitable Trusts selected Thanh Hoang, PhD, as a 2026 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences. Hoang joined a class of 21 scholars nationwide.
         Groups of people stand together. These are the 2026 EBS awardees.
    Medical School News

    Celebrating outstanding teaching and research at the 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards

    The 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards recognized nine faculty and nine research staff members for their accomplishments in teaching and research.
         Several people stand and talk, holding plates of food
    Department News

    Celebrating Scientific Journeys: Inside CDB’s 2026 Annual Celebration

    The Cell & Developmental Biology community gathered for the 2026 Annual Celebration on May 6. This event featured alum career talks, the annual awards ceremony and a reception.
         stethoscope blue yellow
    Health Lab

    New study hints at cause of pachyonychia congenita and a long-awaited potential treatment

    New University of Michigan-led offers much needed answers about a specific protein, called keratin 16 (K16), implicated in pachyonychia congenita and other skin conditions.