In this report, you will find groundbreaking research that shapes the future of California and beyond, from protecting ecosystems against climate change to fighting diseases and preserving biodiversity. This year’s Dean’s Report is focused on our home state of California. We hope to call attention to some of the work being done by
faculty at the School of Biological Sciences that has a direct impact on the state’s residents and ecosystems, from climate change to diabetes research and much more.
Featured Articles
A new era of precision depression treatment
New study points to biomarker-guided care to improve antidepressant response rates and reduce trial-and-error prescribing.
Stingray Defenses Reveal the Hidden Engineering of Survival
A diversity of stingray defensive spines surrounds a bluespotted ribbontail ray (Taeniura lymma), illustrating variation in spine shape and serration morphology among species. Photo credit: Christopher Martinez. Irvine, Calif., July 1, 2026 — Stingrays are instantly recognizable creatures known for their graceful movements through coastal waters. However, hidden along their tails is one of nature’s…
As Oceans Warm, UCI Researchers Find Clues to Which Species Shifts Could Matter Most
First author Ryan Beshai, left, and Professor Cascade Sorte, right, led a new study that offers a framework for predicting how climate-driven species shifts may affect marine ecosystems. Irvine, Calif., June 29, 2026 — As oceans warm, marine life is on the move. Fish, corals, crabs, seaweeds and countless other species are shifting into new…
Students Bring Evolution to Life Through Creativity, Exploration and Curiosity
Student artwork from BIO SCI 8 includes an ammonite drawing by Diana G. Hernandez Rodriguez, left, and a Tiktaalik line-and-ink drawing by Kimberly Ng, right. In Distinguished Professor Brandon Gaut’s BIO SCI 8 course, “Evolution in the Modern World,” students are learning that biology is not confined to textbooks, lecture halls or laboratories. It is…
Two Dunlop School Students Named 2026 Goldwater Scholars
Steve Salinas, left, and Anny Wang, right, undergraduate students in the Dunlop School, were named 2026 Goldwater Scholars in recognition of their outstanding promise as future research leaders. Two undergraduate students from the UC Irvine Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences have been named 2026 Goldwater Scholars, earning one of the nation’s premier honors for…
Postdoctoral fellow awarded grant to study iPSC-microglia transplantation for the treatment of FTD-GRN
Jean Paul Chadarevian, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Blurton-Jones Lab at UCI MIND. Jean Paul Chadarevian, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Blurton-Jones Lab at UCI MIND, has been awarded the two-year, $120,000 Holloway Postdoctoral Fellowship from The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) to support his research into novel cell-based therapies for Frontotemporal Dementia…
The annual Dean’s Report showcases the growth, teaching and research advancements made at the school during the last academic year. Each report carries an important message from the dean and every year a theme based on current challenges in the life sciences.
If you would you like to request an interview with one of our Dunlop School researchers, please contact our communications team at biosci@uci.edu. > View Previous Dean’s Reports