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

Carolyn Elya

Carolyn Elya Named a 2025 Searle Scholar

The MCB Department is delighted to announce that MCB Assistant Professor Carolyn Elya has been selected as a 2025 Searle Scholar. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional young faculty […]

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Alice Feng

MCB Junior Concentrator Alice Feng Wins Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

Alice Feng, a junior double concentrator in MCB and Applied Math, has been awarded the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a recognition that highlights her exceptional commitment to research and […]

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Daniel Cardozo Pinto (l) and Wendy Valencia- Montoya

MCB’s Daniel Cardozo Pinto and Wendy Valencia Montoya Named 2025 Harvard Junior Fellows

Harvard has named Daniel Cardozo Pinto and Wendy Valencia Montoya as two of its newest Junior Fellows, joining the prestigious Society of Fellows this year. They will begin […]

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Kickstart Your Career Development: Exploring Career Resources with the Mignone Center for Career Success

On Monday, May 5th, Caroline Rende, Associate Director, Graduate Career Exploration with  Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success will give a presentation tailored for graduate students, but open […]

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Upcoming Events

MCB Friday Talks @ 4 PM: Josh Corbo & Camille Freedman

  • 4pm - Friday Apr 18, 2025
  • Biological Laboratories (Room BL1080), 16 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Dissertation Defense: Stephan Foianini

  • 2pm - Monday Apr 21, 2025
  • BioLabs 1080