Department Overview

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics has a long and distinguished history at UC Davis, beginning with the formation of the Department of Bacteriology in 1952. Today, the department is home to a diverse, interdisciplinary community of researchers, educators and students working to advance understanding of microbes, genes and fundamental cellular processes.

Our faculty use microbial and non-microbial systems to address central questions in biology through innovative experimental approaches. Research spans microbial development, host-microbe interactions, metabolism, gene regulation and genomics, as well as recombination, stress responses, aging, cancer, DNA repair and adaptive mutation. Together, this work contributes to discoveries with implications for human and animal health, agriculture, biotechnology and the environment.

The department is equally committed to excellence in education, mentorship and outreach. Through continually evolving courses in microbiology, molecular genetics and general biology, we prepare students to investigate and solve fundamental and applied problems in human and animal health, agriculture, industry and the environment. We also provide graduate students and postdoctoral scholars with rigorous research training, faculty mentorship and career development. Across these efforts, we strive to foster a welcoming and inclusive community, broaden participation in the biological sciences and share new knowledge with researchers, professionals, policymakers and the public.

Leadership