Biological Chemistry Education

audience in a lecture hall

Partner With Us to Advance Molecular Understanding

We strive to provide trainee-centered educational programs emphasizing mentoring and scientific engagement.

Build a solid foundation for success in Biomedical Science

In teaching, training and research, the U-M Medical School Department of Biological Chemistry is advancing the understanding of biological processes. Cross-campus collaboration between departments and laboratories creates an environment where future scientific leaders learn and grow. Where discoveries translate into real change.

Our studies of biology at the molecular and mechanistic levels span disciplines including biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology, bioinformatics, neurobiology, genetics and more.

Discover how the building blocks of life can serve as the solid foundation for your success.

Training & Education

PhD Program

Our diverse program pairs broad scientific training with highly specialized research.

Postdoctoral Training

Participate in our seminar series, annual research retreat, and year-round social events while advancing your scientific career.

MS Program

Two tracks of learning, research or coursework, build a solid academic foundation.

Undergraduate Students

Explore our courses and research opportunities for undergraduate students.

"Our future is clearly in terrific hands as these young colleagues advance their science while working together to strengthen and diversify our community."

Department of Biological Chemistry Chair
Chair Phyllis Hanson seated and smiling in a laboratory
two students receiving awards

Biological Chemistry Awards for Trainees

These honors recognize excellence in scholarship, research, and service and connect today's trainees with former departmental leaders and scientists who endowed them.

Learn about our awards

Upcoming Events

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Department of Biological Chemistry 2026 Retreat

The annual Department of Biological Chemistry Retreat will be held at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station.

Biological Chemistry News & Stories

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Department News

PhD student Dina Tekle publishes a research article in PNAS

U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Dina Tekle is the first author of a research article in PNAS.
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.
Two smiling people holding individual awards
Department News

Heather Giebink and Michael Rankin receive Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards

Lecturer Heather Giebink and Research Program Manager Michael Rankin are the 2026 recipients of Endowment for Basic Sciences (EBS) Awards for the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School.
headshots of two promoted faculty members
Department News

Two Biological Chemistry faculty members receive promotions in 2026

U-M Biological Chemistry faculty members Angela Fleischhacker and Stephanie Smith have been promoted.
headshot of new Biological Chemistry PhD recipient
Department News

Congratulations to David Beier, PhD

U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student David Beier of the O'Brien lab defends his doctoral dissertation.
Logo of the IronMatt Foundation showing person with upheld arms
Department News

Jay Brito Querido and John Prensner receive funding from the Matthew Larson Foundation for Pediatric Brain Tumors

Assistant Professors Jay Brito Querido of the Department of Biological Chemistry and John Prensner of the Departments of Pediatrics and Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School are recipients of new research funding for pediatric brain cancer.