Biological Chemistry About Message from the Chair Contact Us Giving Alumni Research Seminars Biological Chemistry Seminar Series People Faculty & Staff Graduate Students Postdoctoral Fellows Education & Training Graduate Program Medical Students Postdoctoral Education Resources Research Home Research Biological Chemistry: Home Biological Chemistry: Research Curiosity & Collaboration Our diverse and passionate community of scientists explores areas like cancer, epigenetics, metabolism, stem cells and more. We foster innovation at the lab bench and beyond. Our goal is to nurture the spirit of curiosity and discovery by stimulating interactions among faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, medical students, postdoctoral fellows and trainees. Research Divisions The department is divided into two divisions that reflect general research areas. Molecular Biomedicine Division Head: Xing Dai, PhD Research in the Molecular Biomedicine Division explores fundamental biological processes using various models, from yeast to mammalian cell culture, animal models and patient samples. We delve into the fundamental molecular, biochemical and tissue microenvironmental mechanisms contributing to nutrient utilization, tissue development and repair, and the onset and development of various diseases, including cancer. Additionally, we aim to pioneer novel therapeutic approaches targeting various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. Computational Biomedicine Division Head: Wei Li, PhD Computational Biomedicine leverages bioinformatics and big data to drive scientific discoveries in biomedical research. We focus on integrating computational methods, statistical modeling, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, electronic health records and large-scale data analysis to unravel the complexities of human biology and disease mechanisms. Through our interdisciplinary approaches, we aim to accelerate the development of personalized medicine, improve diagnostic techniques and identify novel targets for therapy. Building Bridges: Collaborative Research Initiatives In addition to leading groundbreaking research within our labs, many faculty members actively participate in research centers and institutes across campus. This extensive network of affiliations fosters collaboration and broadens the impact of their research endeavors. Faculty lead key campus research centers, drive innovation across disciplines and play a key role in the campus-wide research enterprise. Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism (CEM) Ivan Marazzi, PhD | Director The CEM facilitates interdisciplinary research on the connection between epigenetics and cellular metabolism, promoting collaboration among researchers within UCI who share an interest in epigenetics, chromatin remodeling and cellular metabolism. UCI Genomics Research and Technology (GRT) Hub Suzanne Sandmeyer, PhD | Director, Genomic Technologies The GRT Hub is a core research facility that provides a variety of services ranging from quality checking DNA/RNA to library construction and sequencing. Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Richard Van Etten, MD, PhD | Director The UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in Orange County, California. See Where Our Research Extends Seminar Series We are proud to host and participate in various seminars throughout the year. These seminars are an essential cornerstone of our academic mission, providing a platform for: Leading researchers to share cutting-edge research findings and advancements. Faculty and students to engage in intellectual exchange, foster collaboration and stay at the forefront of breakthroughs. The broader scientific community to connect and learn from each other, accelerating progress in the field. We encourage faculty, students and all those interested to explore our seminars and join us on this journey of discovery. Department Seminars Faculty Research Visit our faculty profile pages to learn more about their research and connect directly with these leading experts in their field. Biological Chemistry Faculty Members Learn More If you want to learn more about our cutting-edge research or tour a laboratory, please email Barbara Shainberg at the address below. Our internationally recognized faculty members will be happy to discuss their research and answer your questions. Request More Info Research Support The UCI School of Medicine Office of Research supports basic, clinical and translational research endeavors. Find Support