Department News | Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine | UC Davis School of Medicine

David Segal elected as AAAS Fellows for shaping science of neurological conditions

Professor and Chair David J. Segal, along with Professor Janine LaSalle has been elected Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). With this lifetime honor, he joins a century-long UC Davis legacy of AAAS Fellows who lead exceptional science scholarship.

Segal was recognized for his distinguished contributions to the field of molecular and translational genetics. He is a leader in developing gene editors like zinc finger (distinct DNA-binding protein structures that include zinc ions), TALE and CRISPR and applying them to treat neurologic conditions.

Announcement

Faculty Update - Obituary: Michael Saxton, Ph.D.

2025 Research Rock Star Award Recipient

Megan Dennis, an associate professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis Health, has been awarded the UC Davis School of Medicine 2025 Research Rock Star Award designated for a Basic Researcher. Congratulations on this well-deserved award!

School of Medicine Cultivating Team Science Award

The proposal, "Overcoming therapy resistance in cancers with new-chemical-entity nanomedicine: from bench to clinic", from Li lab has been selected School of Medicine Cultivating Team Science Award.

Congratulations to Professor Yuanpei Li and his team on this well-deserved award!

2025 Distinguished Teaching Award for Graduate and Professional Teaching Recipient

Professor and Vice Chair of Education, Colleen Sweeney has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award for Graduate and Professional Teaching by the Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Awards (DTA) Committee. This award recognizes outstanding teaching and dedication to student success. She was nominated by Professor and Vice Dean for Medical Education, Mark Servis. An in-person awards ceremony will be held on the evening of Thursday, May 29, 2025. Awardees will be highlighted in an upcoming UC Davis Dateline article.

Megan Dennis, an associate professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at UC Davis Health, has been awarded the 2024 Chancellor’s Fellowship. This prestigious honor is given to outstanding faculty members early in their careers. As part of the award, she will receive $25,000 to support her research, teaching or service activities.