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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.  

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIROur research

Latest News

(l to r) Jeff Lichtman, Linda Liang, Alex Lovely, Heather Brown-Harding, Doug Richardson, and Venki Murthy

Venki Murthy Named Faculty Director of Harvard Center for Biological Imaging (HCBI)

MCB faculty Venkatesh Murthy has been appointed the new Faculty Director of the Harvard Center of Biological Imaging (HCBI), following Jeff Lichtman being named Dean of Science for […]

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Alexa Pérez Torres

Graduate Student Spotlight: Alexa Pérez Torres

As an MCO graduate student in the Murray Lab, Alexa Pérez Torres is investigating what happens when you break the cell cycle rules in yeast. She also serves […]

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Rhino League Volleyball Finals Coming Up This Friday (August 23)

All summer long, teams of Harvard community members have been gathering to compete in the annual Rhino League volleyball tournament. Though athletes from across Harvard take part, the […]

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(l to r) Kristina Penikis, Nao Uchida, Laura Magnotti, and Ryan Draft

Naoshige Uchida Becomes Director of Undergraduate Studies in Neuroscience, Taking Over from Jeff Lichtman

MCB faculty Naoshige Uchida will succeed MCB faculty Jeff Lichtman as Head Tutor of Neuroscience. Each undergraduate concentration at Harvard has a Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS)—also known […]

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Upcoming Events

MCB Thursday Seminar: Joey Davis, Ph.D. (MIT)

  • 12pm - Thursday Sep 12, 2024
  • Northwest Building (Room NW B103), 52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

MCB Thursday Seminar: Janice Robertson, Ph.D. (University of Washington)

  • 12pm - Thursday Oct 10, 2024
  • Northwest Building (Room NW B103), 52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA