Plant & Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley

Over the past four years, genetics and plant biology major Yaeko Long has embraced a wide array of opportunities—both in and out of the classroom—that UC Berkeley has to offer.

Yaeko has performed alongside the nearly 200 members of the University of California Marching Band since first setting foot on campus, explored the fungal world through courses from leading faculty in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology and as a member of the student-run UC Berkeley Mycology Club, and documented some of their Berkeley highlights using their passion for photography.

Read our latest student spotlight to learn more about Yaeko's UC Berkeley experience: https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/student-spotlight-yaeko-long

Calling all PMB alumni and current students! Please share your updates for our 2025 newsletter via this form by August 15! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDuPheES4OzcClPmJGYMZR_UcRlsOzmOcCvwnpAP8IDTodxg/viewform

Some photos from the reception honoring Professor Brian Staskawicz, 2025 Wolf Prize in Agriculture Recipient. More info on the prize: https://nature.berkeley.edu/news/2025/03/brian-staskawicz-awarded-wolf-prize-agriculture Photo by Mathew Burciaga.

Help PMB shine bright today during by making a gift to the Graduate Student Support Fund! When 25 gifts of any size are made, 14 PMB professors will contribute nearly $12,000 to help fund student researchers at the forefront of plant biology and microbiology. Your support will help ensure that our two top-ranked graduate programs remain competitive in recruiting and retaining the very best. https://givingday.berkeley.edu/giving-day/90821/department/91209

Former PMB postdoctoral scholar Mat Fisher's innovative application of genetics and genomics has provided new insights into how fungal species form, migrate across the planet’s surface, and drive emerging diseases in human, wildlife, and plant species.

Profile: The Fungal Detective Matthew Fisher traces the evolution of fungi across space and time to combat the diseases they drive.

New center to advance use of seaweed in the global economy - Berkeley News Nearly $13 million in funding announced today will establish the International Bioeconomy Macroalgae Center at UC Berkeley.

Less than 1% of biologically active small molecules found in plants and microbes have been understood by science. Alum Lee Chae of brightseed is dedicated to uncovering the potential of the remaining 99% to benefit human health

Profile: A Bright Start Lee Chae utilizes AI to map and tap plant bioactive compounds that could potentially benefit human health.

We're delighted to share our fall 2024 PMB newsletter! Check it out for two alumni profiles, department updates, incoming faculty, updates from alumni and news: pmb.berkeley.edu/newsletter/

Last call to share your notes for our fall PMB newsletter! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDuPheES4OzcClPmJGYMZR_UcRlsOzmOcCvwnpAP8IDTodxg/viewform

PMB alumni and current students; please share your personal or professional updates for our class notes in the fall newsletter! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDuPheES4OzcClPmJGYMZR_UcRlsOzmOcCvwnpAP8IDTodxg/viewform

PMB is hiring a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Plant Developmental Biology! Apply by Oct 15, with expected start date of July 2025. For more information about the position, including required qualifications and application materials, visit http://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF04554.

PMB alumni and current students; please share your personal or professional updates for our class notes in the fall newsletter! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDuPheES4OzcClPmJGYMZR_UcRlsOzmOcCvwnpAP8IDTodxg/viewform