Department of Molecular
and Cellular Biology

About us

Our Science 

We research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens. 

 Our Community 

At the core of the MCB department is a commitment to foster an environment in which all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. It is our shared responsibility to create an inclusive culture, where we support and respect each other as colleagues. We embrace a diverse range of perspectives, expertise, identities, experiences, talents, and abilities. By continually strengthening this foundation of investing in the well-being of our people, we enable our community’s growth and pursuit of the creative and innovative approaches that underlie scientific excellence. 

Our Guiding Principles

We hold ourselves and the community accountable to the following set of values: 

Respect
We foster a safe and supportive environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and is able to work towards their aspirations. 

Engagement
We encourage difficult conversations about racial, gender, structural and other inequities in our labs, institutions, and society.We listen actively and openly and seek to continually learn from one another during these respectful and open dialogues. 

Action
We take active steps to diversify our community demographics, promote equitable practices, and eliminate systemic racism and other inequities in our departmental structures. 

Support
We prioritize the well-being of our community members and create avenues of support for all, with a particular focus on the needs of Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, first generation students, people from underprivileged backgrounds, and other community members underrepresented in the scientific community.We prioritize diversity, inclusion, and belonging work, advocate for it at all levels and actively include it in all departmental discussions.  

Integrity 

We carry out our work responsibly and ethically, recognizing that our own choices are reflections of both ourselves and our community. As a department, we are committed to building institutional accountability and transparency in our decision-making processes.  

Our research

Latest News

David Kang

David Kang (Neuroscience ‘25) Awarded the 2025 John E. Dowling Thesis Prize

David Kang, neuroscience concentrator, has been selected as the recipient of this year’s John E. Dowling Thesis Prize for his outstanding senior thesis, “Pannexin-1 activity regulates neurogenesis and […]

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Josh Sanes

Joshua Sanes Elected Fellow of the British Royal Society

Joshua Sanes, the Jeff C. Tarr Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, has been named a Fellow of the British Royal Society, one of the highest honors in […]

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(l to r) Florian Engert, Alex Chen, and Marc Duque Ramirez

New Stars in Neural Circuits: Astrocytes Guide Brain State Changes

Astrocytes, the most abundant non-neuronal cell type in the brain, have traditionally been thought of as passive supporters of neuronal circuits. However, in recent years, work from many […]

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(l to r) Danaé Terrien, Jaina Gable, Kara McKinley, Ben Manetta, Claire Ang, Amanda Whipple, Colin Kim, Jazmin Pearson, Juan Orozco, and Rachelle Gaudet; (not shown Isobel Wouk Green, and Adjoa Yeboah)

Recognizing Excellence in Mentorship: 2025 MCB Mentorship Award Recipients

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) at Harvard has announced the recipients of the 2025 MCB Mentorship Awards, honoring four individuals whose dedication to guiding and […]

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Upcoming Events

Memorial Day

  • 12am - Monday May 26, 2025

Juneteenth

  • 12am - Thursday Jun 19, 2025