Basic Sciences

Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology

Dedicated to conducting innovative research, engaging in high-level service, and providing excellent educational opportunities.

Griffith lab research image
Luis Fernando Santana, Ph.D.
Luis Fernando Santana, Ph.D., Chair

Welcome from the Chair

Collaboration and fearless exploration of new ideas is key to achieving our mission.

The Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology is formed by an outstanding group of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, residents, students and staff. Our mission it to:

  • Conduct innovative research
  • Engage in high-level service
  • Provide excellent educational opportunities and mentoring
Department News
  • Theanne Griffith, Ph.D.

    $1.6 million grant to study ‘sixth’ sense most people have never heard of

    Congratulations to Theanne Griffith, a neuroscientist at UC Davis Health, who has received a prestigious five-year, $1.6 million National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award to investigate how this critical sensory system develops and shapes movement throughout life. The NSF CAREER Award is among the foundation's most competitive honors for early-career faculty, recognizing researchers who excel in both scientific discovery and education.

    Learn more about this exciting news
  • Igor Vorobyov and Yen-Her Lai

    School of Medicine Research Image Competition Winners - Vorobyov Lab

    Congratulations to the latest winners of the School of Medicine Research Image Competition! The winners are Igor Vorobyov and Yen-Her Lai. Lai, who composed the image, is a research assistant and Vorobyov is an associate professor of Physiology and Membrane Biology.

    Research Assistant Yen-Her Lai received the certificate and gift basket on behalf of the lab at Tupper Hall.

  • Theanne Griffith and Elisa Zhang

    Theanne Griffith and Elisa Zhang receive prestigious early-career recognition

    Congratulations to Theanne Griffith and Elisa Zhang who received prestigious early-career recognition.

    Assistant professors, Griffith and Zhang are among the three UC Davis researchers who have been honored with prestigious awards from two major institutions.

    In a rare honor, two of the 10 McKnight Scholar Awards will go to UC Davis neuroscientists this year. Theanne Griffith and Sergey Stavisky both received the prestigious early-career award.

    2 faculty selected as Freeman Hrabowski Scholars by HHMI

    Griffith and Elisa T. Zhang, are among the 30 new Freeman Hrabowski Scholars selected from across the United States by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

    Learn more about this prestigious award
  • Aldrin Gomes

    Aldrin Gomes Named Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)

    Congratulations to Professor Aldrin Gomes, who has been named a Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

    This award honors individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in mentoring individuals from groups that are underrepresented in STEM education and the workforce.

Department News

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Federal Updates

Federal Updates from the University of California Office of the President (UCOP)

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Federal Research Funding Executive Actions

Research updates from the UC Davis Office of Research

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