Department of Biochemistry

Chair's Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry at the University of California, Riverside. We are dedicated to perform cutting-edge research in biochemistry and molecular biology, as well as to strive towards excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. 

Our faculty pursue research areas spanning structural biology, genomics, stem cell and developmental biology, biophysics, cancer biology, and plant biology. The department has substantial strength in areas of transcriptional/translational control, epigenetic regulation, RNA biology, chromatin biology, genetic engineering, enzymology, genome stability, and environmental stress responses, providing our graduate students ample opportunities to pursue their research interests. A strong dedication to interdepartmental collaboration and cooperation among faculty also allows our graduate students to join research teams across the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Bourns School of Engineering, the UCR School of Medicine, and perform research in a highly integrative and interactive setting.

Our program hosts a large number of undergraduate students, who can choose a biochemistry major focused in chemistry, biology, or medical sciences. Our students benefit from having our world-class faculty teach in the classroom, exposing them to both the fundamental principles and the latest research discoveries. In addition, UC Riverside offers various competitive research programs aimed toward economically disadvantaged students. A high percentage of our undergraduates find that they qualify for student aid covering up to their entire tuition—because we believe that financial burden should not bar anyone from seeking a higher education.

I hope that this website will serve as a helpful resource for potential or current students, staff, visiting scholars and donors.