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.

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United on a Journey of Discovery

The Department of Biological Chemistry is dedicated to advancing the molecular understanding of biological processes. We do that through cutting-edge 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. The most innovative and impactful discoveries are born from all of our unique perspectives, tackling challenges together. 

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, staff, students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Events

View our upcoming seminars and events.

Giving

Partner with us to move molecular science and medicine forward.

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

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

  • Department Newsletters
  • graduate student holding an award certificate
    Spotlight On
    Jeremy Dortch

    Congratulations to Jeremy, a PhD student in the Baldridge lab, for winning an award for his poster "An ER degron directs substrate degradation through different mechanisms" at the FASEB Endoplasmic Reticulum Science Research Conference in June.

    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 2025 Retreat
    The annual Department of Biological Chemistry Retreat will be held at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station.
    view of trees and lake
    Biological Chemistry News & STORIES See all news structural model of a protein complex
    Department News
    PhD student Arkajit Guha publishes a research article in JBC
    U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Arkajit Guha is the first author of a research article in JBC.
    2025 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
    Medical School News
    Eighteen from UMMS honored with 2025 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
    Nine Medical School faculty members and nine research staff members have been recognized for their contributions to teaching and research with Endowment for Basic Sciences (EBS) Awards for 2025. Each of the nine UMMS basic science departments select a winner for each award. This year’s recipients received their awards June 12 during a ceremony in the Medical School.
    headshot of Zoe Yeoh
    Department News
    Congratulations to Zoe Yeoh, PhD
    Biological Chemistry PhD student Zoe Yeoh of the Janet Smith and Melanie Ohi labs defends her doctoral dissertation.
    Outdoor group photo of student award winner with faculty
    Department News
    Esme Lowry receives Master's Program Award
    Esme Lowry has received a U-M Medical School Master's Program Award.
    headshot of Aminoff endowment award winner
    Department News
    PhD student Jennifer Russ receives the 2025 David Aminoff Endowment Award
    PhD student Jennifer Russ in the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School has received the 2025 David Aminoff Endowment Award.
    Headshots of EBS awardwinners with trophy
    Department News
    Chase Weidmann and Daniel Esckilsen receive Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards
    Assistant Professor Chase Weidmann and Research Lab Specialist Daniel Esckilsen are the 2025 recipients of Endowment for Basic Sciences (EBS) Awards for the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School.
    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.