Three researchers in a low-lit room look at algae in a photobioreactor.

Algae’s bedtime routine: How tiny organisms manage stress to power the planet

QB3-Berkeley scientists peek in on algae at night to discover how these organisms prepare for another stressful day on the job. After a long day at work, we humans might recharge by sipping tea, soaking in a candle-lit bubble bath, and finally getting some shut eye. What do algae do to unwind? These tiny photosynthesizers…

How my first fish expedition found a species on the brink of extinction

When most people hear about a fishing expedition in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, they might picture researchers snorkeling through coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea or diving into crystal-clear cenotes, surrounded by postcard-perfect scenery. But nothing I had imagined—or Googled—before my first field trip came close to the reality we faced in our search for pupfishes.…

The crew eagerly looking for pupfishes in one of the private lagoons around Tulum, México.

La historia de cómo mi primer trabajo de campo terminó documentando una radiación adaptativa al borde de la extinción

Cualquier persona que escuche que una expedición de pesca tendrá lugar en la Península de Yucatán, México, se imaginaría que cómo investigadores, estaríamos haciendo snorkel o buceando entre arrecifes de coral en las cálidas aguas del Caribe, o bien en hermosos cenotes con aguas turquesas, rodeados de paisajes idílicos. Sin embargo, cualquier cosa que pudiese…

Headshot of Suzanne Baker over a blue background with text "University of California, Berkeley qb3."

Showing Up and Authentically Caring with Professional in Residence Suzanne Baker

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet with Suzanne Baker, head of Cellular and Tissue Imaging at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, ahead of her Professional in Residence at QB3-Berkeley on April 9th. Graduate students and postdocs can register here for Baker’s visit. We had a wonderful time chatting about science, hobbies, and…

Exploring Science Communication and Education with Professional in Residence Lee Bishop

Lee Bishop, the Biotech and Design Lead at the Lawrence Hall of Science, has built a career bridging the worlds of science, education, and communication. Ahead of his Professional in Residence on March 20th, he shares insights into his role, the challenges of designing educational experiences, and advice for those considering a similar career path.…

A researcher in safety glasses holds up a beaker of yellow fluid.

QB3-Berkeley researchers engineer biological assembly-line enzymes to create new, sustainable products

Scientists are leveraging the modular nature of polyketide synthases (PKSs), or biologically-based, multi-domain enzymes, to design molecules in a way that could revolutionize everything from pharmaceuticals to biofuels. In the world of chemistry, the smallest changes can have profound impacts. Altering even a single carbon atom in a molecule can completely change its function and…

An interview with Professional in Residence Abe Anderson

Abe Anderson, PhD, is a Computational Biology Scientific Associate Director in Precision Medicine at Amgen. He is joining QB3-Berkeley’s Professional in Residence (PIR) program in February 2025 and will be leveraging his background to host a virtual program on career development; trainees are invited to register for this PIR program. Anderson spoke with graduate student…

A group of researchers sits around a table and looks at logos for CTEG.

Meet the Center for Theoretical Evolutionary Genomics

How a small group of scientists has grown into a collaborative community For most graduate students, a 4:00 pm meeting on a Friday is the last place they would choose to be. But if you walk into 4163 VLSB, you’ll see a gathering of graduate students, postdocs, PIs, and other curious scientists listening intently to…