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. The most innovative and impactful discoveries are made when we use our unique perspectives to tackle challenges together. 

News & Stories

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 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.

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Biological Chemistry Newsletter

Find out about our accomplishments and the progress we’re making in our mission.

  • View Our 2025 Newsletter
  • headshot of UM Medical School Dean Thomas Wang
    Spotlight On

    A New Dean’s Perspective on Medicine, Science and What Comes Next

    Listen to the podcast or read the transcript from Michigan Medicine Presents.

    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
    9 22 2026 12:00 pm 9 22 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Daniel Rosenbaum, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Daniel Rosenbaum from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
    9 29 2026 12:00 pm 9 29 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Jeffrey Brodsky, University of Pittsburgh

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Jeffrey Brodsky from the University of Pittsburgh.
    10 2 2026 10 3 2026

    Department of Biological Chemistry 2026 Retreat

    The annual Department of Biological Chemistry Retreat will be held at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station.
    view of trees and lake
    10 6 2026 12:00 pm 10 6 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Alex Gao, Stanford University

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Alex Gao from Stanford University.
    10 27 2026 12:00 pm 10 27 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Katherine Susa, University of California, San Francisco

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Katherine Susa from the University of California, San Francisco.
    11 10 2026 12:00 pm 11 10 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Keriann Backus, University of California, Los Angeles

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Keriann Backus from the University of California, Los Angeles.
    11 17 2026 12:00 pm 11 17 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Andrea Pauli, Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP)

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Andrea Pauli from the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP).
    12 1 2026 12:00 pm 12 1 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Nicholas Guydosh, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK)

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Nicholas Guydosh from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).
    12 8 2026 12:00 pm 12 8 2026 - 1:00 pm

    Dr. Yunsun Nam, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

    Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Yunsun Nam of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

    Biological Chemistry News & Stories

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    Department News

    Biological Chemistry welcomes new MS and PhD students

    New graduate students join the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School.
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    Department News

    MD/PhD student Brandon Lu receives a predoctoral fellowship from the National Institutes of Health

    U-M Biological Chemistry MD/PhD student Brandon Lu of the Fung and Huang labs received a predoctoral fellowship from the NIH.
    headshot of Jo Ostlund
    Department News

    Johnette Ostlund chosen for a position in the Chemistry Biology Interface Training Program

    U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Jo Ostlund has been awarded a position in the Chemistry Biology Interface Training Program.
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    Department News

    Patrick O'Brien, PhD, featured in ASBMB Today

    UM Biological Chemistry professor Patrick O'Brien is interviewed by ASBMB Today.
    Computer illustration of the CRISPR complex on DNA
    Health Lab

    CRISPR acts as commander-in-chief for backup defenses in bacteria

    A new study uncovers a previously underrecognized feature of the type I CRISPR-Cas system in the bacteria Neisseria: the presence of additional embedded innate immunity genes.
    headshot of Carmen Castillo
    Department News

    Congratulations to Carmen Castillo, PhD

    U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Carmen Castillo of the Koutmos lab defends her doctoral dissertation.
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    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.