Here in Davis, it's getting warmer, spring quarter is just around the corner, and the energy of campus is high. It’s hard to believe we’re already in March! As usual, there’s been no shortage of activity in the college.

Whether it’s one of our systems and synthetic biology majors developing an app to study neurological disorders, or one of our faculty using nematodes to understand ALS in humans, there’s always something going on. I have said it many times before, but the innovation, discovery and curiosity of our researchers to explore fundamental biological processes – to ask questions and push the boundaries of what we know – is an enduring source of pride.

So, it’s no surprise when a CBS faculty member is recognized for their excellence. Katherine Ralston, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, was among the new class of UC Davis Chancellor's Fellows early this month for her work studying a parasite that “nibbles” host cells, and also dresses in their remains to evade detection by the immune system. (It’s a brutal world for microbes!)

I was also especially pleased to see the 2026 UC Davis Medal awarded to Robert D. and A. Kathleen Grey, whose longtime support of UC Davis and CBS has made a permanent impact on the excellence of our college and campus. I hope you will join me in congratulating them.

For those members of the CBS community who are on campus, in Davis or often in town, the college has revamped its online event listing. Technical talks, research presentations for the general public, instructive short courses – there is always a lot going on!

Whether you’re here in town or following us virtually from farther away, you’re still part of the CBS community.