Cell & Developmental Biology Education

A female CDB researcher looks through a microscope

A Career in the Building Blocks of Life Itself

The U-M Medical School Department of Cell & Developmental Biology invests in the future of humankind by supporting and educating the scientists of tomorrow.

Focused on the Fundamentals

As a PhD student in the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, you won’t just study biology, you’ll partner with world-class faculty to push the boundaries of biological and biomedical sciences. You’ll join a collaborative community asking the fundamental questions that drive discovery and transform lives.

Here, you will:

  • Work with faculty engaged in innovative, discovery-driven research.
  • Benefit from exceptional mentorship and support to help your growth and advancement.
  • Access federally funded research opportunities at one of the world’s top NIH-funded programs located within a premier research institution.
  • Train in a highly regarded, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare you for success.
  • Develop professional and outreach skills while exploring wide-ranging career paths in academia, industry, and beyond.
  • Earn recognition and funding through competitive awards and achievements that support your training.
  • Live in a great place to call home, Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with world-class food, recreation, culture, and entertainment.

PhD Program

Learn the advantages of pursuing your PhD in Cell & Developmental Biology.

Postdoctoral Fellows

Expand your skills, develop independence and carve your career trajectory.

Resources

Watch videos, connect with program directors and access onboarding guides.

Life in CDB: Science & Community
CDB student Jeff shared what his loves about CDB

What Jeff loves about CDB

Jeff joined CDB because he loves the people at CDB.

Watch Jeff's video
Ian in a dark laboratory looking at a computer screen that is displaying cells under a microscope

Power of Collaboration

Ian McCue, PhD candidate: Embracing collaboration in and out of the lab

Read Ian's interview
Hy Do holding a bottle of champaign up in celebration, wearing graduation attire

Life in Science

Hy Do, PhD candidate: Learning life and science one step at a time

Read Hy's interview
An illustration of Brittany Salazar

You're Stronger Than You Think

PhD student Brittany Salazar shares her journey in CDB.

Watch Brittany's video

Connect with Cell & Developmental Biology
students on campus

Benefits & Wellness Resources
  • Financial Support & Benefits
  • Health & Wellness
  • Life in Ann Arbor

    • Featured News & Stories

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    Health Lab

    New study hints at cause of pachyonychia congenita and a long-awaited potential treatment

    New University of Michigan-led offers much needed answers about a specific protein, called keratin 16 (K16), implicated in pachyonychia congenita and other skin conditions.
         Hüseyin Karabürk
    Department News

    Hüseyin Karabürk receives Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship

    For his dissertation, Karabürk is investigating the molecular mechanisms of how cells move within the body.
    Department News

    Meet the new CDB admin staff

    CDB is excited to welcome three new members to our admin team! Meet Muneer, Jaszmyn and Kara below, and stop by the admin offices to say hello in person.
         Person rubbing foot while sitting
    Health Lab

    New study hints at the cause of a painful skin condition—and at a long-awaited potential treatment

    New University of Michigan-led research from the lab of Pierre Coulombe, Ph.D. offers much needed answers about a specific protein, called keratin 16 (K16), implicated in pachyonychia congenita (PC) and other skin conditions.
         Nicole Edwards in the lab with a microscope
    Department News

    Cell & Developmental Biology welcomes Nicole Edwards, Assistant Professor

    The University of Michigan’s Department of Cell & Developmental Biology (CDB) is excited to welcome the newest member of their faculty, Nicole Edwards, PhD.
         close up microscopic grey close up
    Health Lab

    FDA-approved cancer drug fedratinib reshapes how cell organelles communicate, providing new therapeutic avenues

    University of Michigan researchers found that the FDA-approved drug fedratinib can lead to endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria contact site formation, providing a potential therapeutic avenue.