Press Releases

The latest story in the 2026 Innovation at Work series includes Karri Haen Whitmer, teaching professor and associate chair of genetics, development and cell biology, and associate director of integrated health sciences. 

The office of the senior vice president and provost has announced $2.4 million in funding across two years for 24 transformative initiatives to support new academic programs, student success and career readiness, and build additional capacity in a

Don Sakaguchi was charting a course to medical school as a biology undergraduate at the State University of New York, Albany, when he made a life-changing discovery.

Geetu Tuteja, genetics, development and cell biology professor, is diving into the genetic development of the placenta. The computational tools her lab creates support other researchers worldwide.

Morrill Professor Don Sakaguchi of genetics, development and cell biology, discusses the importance of undergraduate research in the Iowa State University Foundation's Forward magazine article, "Connective tissue: Educating the next gener

Geetu Tuteja, professor in genetics, development and cell biology, has always enjoyed puzzles. Through her research at Iowa State University, she is studying "one of the most unique puzzles in human biology: the placenta." 

August 26 
Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado — Stowers Institute, HHMI 
Topic: Understanding the sources of regenerative capacity in animals 

AMES, Iowa - Laboratory work in many undergraduate classes is focused on achieving a certain outcome. For Wren Murzyn, a senior in genetics at Iowa State University, uncertainty in the lab has been more valuable. 

AMES, Iowa – Biologists know that animals that mature slowly tend to live longer, but they aren’t sure why.

An innovative new degree will prepare students for health care professions through a unique blend of coursework.

Iowa State University (ISU) alumnus Josh Strable returned to campus in January 2025 when he joined the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology (GDCB) as an assistant professor.

What role does gene expression play in predicting whether someone prefers salty over sweet snacks or tends to be more of a night owl than an early riser?

What happens when you challenge people to find the intersection of art and science? Something beautiful!

Madison Vetter, graduating senior in biology, was chosen as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Fall 2024 Student Marshal. Many have recognized her determination and hard work, which has led her to this prestigious honor. 

Faculty and academic leaders have been working for the last 18 months to create new academic programs -- Degrees of the Future -- that address student and workforce demands.

Hongqing (Michelle) Guo, genetics, development and cell biology assistant professor, received a $1.8 million federal grant to study a gene that affects both how plants grow and how they respond to environmental threats.

AMES, Iowa – The tropical freshwater zebrafish (Danio rerio) is widely used as a model biological system for researchers studying human health.

Kyaw (Joe) Aung, assistant professor of genetics, development, and cell biology, is one of 13 Iowa State University researchers selected to receive Faculty Early Career Development Program awards from the National Science Foundati

Several graduate students affiliated with the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology received Research Excellence (REX) and Teaching Excellence (TEX) awards in the 2023-24 academic year.