The Graduate Fields of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology (BMCB),Genetics, Genomics, and Development (GGD), and Biophysics provide top-ranking, multidisciplinary training with the mission to educate research scientists for successful careers in the biological sciences.

Administratively overseen by the Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBG) Department, these three programs provide interdisciplinary research opportunities that span across departments and institutes on the Cornell campus. Major research focus areas within these programs include:

• Biochemistry & Structural Biology

• Biophysics

• Cell & Developmental Biology

• Computational Genomics

• Developmental Biology

• Molecular & Cell Biology

• Molecular Genetics

• Population Genetics & Molecular Evolution

Our graduate programs are committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive training environment for all students, and we have built a curriculum that provides all students with foundational scientific knowledge and skills for success. The Cornell campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and provides many opportunities for collaboration. This fertile environment, led by an enthusiastic and dedicated faculty, provides a rigorous training atmosphere. We place a great emphasis on training our students to be rigorous scientists ready for a successful career. Our graduates enjoy rewarding careers in a variety of settings, including academia, industry, government, law, and the private sector.

Graduate Fields Supported by MBG

fruit flies being moved around with a paintbrush

The Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology (BMCB) at Cornell University provides top-ranking, multidisciplinary training in diverse aspects of biological and biomedical sciences. Research topics include transcription, RNA processing, DNA replication and repair, membrane trafficking, the cytoskeleton, signal transduction, metabolic regulation, enzyme structure and mechanism, organelle function, biophysics of protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions, and virology.

microscope image of larva with different sections highlighted in rainbow colors

The Graduate Field of Genetics, Genomics, and Development (GG&D) is ideally suited for students who want to uncover the fundamental genetic, biochemical, developmental, and cell biological principles that govern life. Students obtain outstanding training in analytical tools that enable them to understand the mechanisms of inheritance, development, mutation, gene regulation, and population structure and evolution. The GG&D Field builds on the strong tradition of interdisciplinary training at Cornell and is composed of more than 55 faculty members from 15 departments in 5 colleges.

microscopy of illuminated cells

The Graduate Field of Biophysics encompasses a diversity of interdisciplinary research topics. Biophysicists seek to understand the fundamental processes of life by applying the methods of physics and chemistry to biological systems. To investigate life at this most basic level, biophysicists use some of the most powerful tools available - X ray crystallography, optical and laser spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and advanced computational science.

News

Student Awards 2024

  • Rita and Joe Calvo Teaching Award
    • Jaymee Palma 
    • Isaac Lamptey
  • 2024 LPS Best Paper Award
    • Jacob Odell
  • George P. Hess Award
    • Shamar Wallace
  • Harry and Samuel Mann Outstanding Graduate Student
    • Jonathon Thomalla

Contact Us

For questions about the administrative aspects of the program, please contact the Graduate Field Assistants:

  • bmcb [at] cornell.edu (bmcb[at]cornell[dot]edu) | gendev [at] cornell.edu (gendev[at]cornell[dot]edu) | biophysics [at] cornell.edu
  • Lindsay Schaffner; 607-255-2100
  • Vicki Shaff; 607-255-2313