Cellular & Molecular Biology Graduate Program
Supporting a Community of Collaboration & Innovation
Founded in 1971, CMB was the first interdisciplinary biomedical PhD program at the U-M Medical School.
Training Leaders in Science
The Cellular & Molecular Biology (CMB) graduate program brings almost 200 faculty together from across the U-M Medical School, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the College of Engineering, the College of Dentistry, and more.
Our students are immersed in a collaborative and innovative research environment from day one, supported by a long-standing NIH training grant, which is approaching its 50th year.
Students enter through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) or the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), spending several months rotating in labs, taking foundational coursework, and ultimately selecting a CMB laboratory in over 25 departments across campus.
Contact Us
2960E Taubman Health Sciences Library
1135 Catherine Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
1135 Catherine Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 734-764-5428
Email: [email protected]
CMB Alumni
- Connect With Our CMB LinkedIn Group: Keep in touch and grow your CMB network. This group is open to current or former students of the CMB PhD Program.
- Let CMB Know What You're Doing Now: Update CMB on a new job, new last name, or something else you want to share! CMB needs updated alumni information as part of the CMB Training Grant reporting process each year.
- Join the Speaker Interest List: Would you like to give a career talk to current students or sit on an alumni panel? Do you have expertise in a certain area our students could benefit from? Let us know!
Support CMB
Your gift goes towards CMB program initiatives, such as graduation gifts, Commencement regalia for students to borrow, program events, and more.
Upcoming Events
Kendall Dean Dissertation Defense
Kendall Dean's dissertation defense will be on Wednesday, September 9th at 9:00 AM in West Lecture Hall.
CMB Short Course Series: Seminar by Dr. Jason Spence
This is part of the CMB/Genetics Training Programs – Fall 2026 Short Course: “Pipettes to Patients: Translational Methods in Biomedical Sciences.” These seminars are open publicly to the community.
CMB Short Course Series: Seminar with Dr. Dan Huh
This is part of the CMB/Genetics Training Programs – Fall 2026 Short Course: “Pipettes to Patients: Translational Methods in Biomedical Sciences.”
These seminars are open publicly to the community.
CMB Short Course Series: Seminar by Dr. Paul Macklin
This is part of the CMB/Genetics Training Programs – Fall 2026 Short Course: “Pipettes to Patients: Translational Methods in Biomedical Sciences.”
These seminars are open publicly to the community.
CMB Short Course Series: Seminar by Dr. David Tuveson
This is part of the CMB/Genetics Training Programs – Fall 2026 Short Course: “Pipettes to Patients: Translational Methods in Biomedical Sciences.”
These seminars are open publicly to the community.
CMB Short Course Series: Seminar by Dr. Mingxia Gu
This is part of the CMB/Genetics Training Programs – Fall 2026 Short Course: “Pipettes to Patients: Translational Methods in Biomedical Sciences.”
These seminars are open publicly to the community.
Featured News & Stories
Department News
2026 Cellular and molecular biology spring symposium
The 2026 Cellular & Molecular Biology Spring Symposium took place on Monday, May 11, 2026. CMB Director Chad Brenner presented the Outstanding Faculty Service Award to Dr. Chase Weidmann. CMB students Jae Bucknor, Sam Wheeler, and Karan Smith were recognized with the 2026–2027 Student Service Award.
Health Lab
Glucose drives STAT3 activation in colorectal cancer cells, leading to tumor growth
University of Michigan researchers have shown that glucose levels sustain the increased STAT3 activation in colorectal cancer cells. Their findings suggest that targeting glucose metabolism could inhibit STAT3, leading to novel therapeutic strategies.
Department News
Cellular & Molecular Biology Newsletter
Department news including new faculty, program updates, picnic and retreat recaps, student awards, fellowships, new cohort, and recent publications.
Health Lab
Uncovering how occludin protein maintains blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers
University of Michigan researchers uncover the role of occludin, a protein that regulates blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, offering new insight into diabetic retinopathy.
Health Lab
'Molecular glue' stabilizes protein that inhibits development of non-small cell lung cancer
University of Michigan researchers found a new protein target PP2A and developed a drug to treat non-small cell lung cancers that have KRAS mutations.
Department News
2025 CMB Retreat
The CMB Retreat was held on Thursday and Friday, September 25–26, in Downtown Kalamazoo and at the Kellogg Biological Station.
Cellular & Molecular Biology Internal Website
Resources and information for current learners and faculty.
