Inclusion Interdisciplinarity Innovation
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The University of California, Merced is recruiting new graduate students, postdocs, and staff scientists.
Andy LiWang lab research in Protein Metamorphosis and Responsive Nanodevices
Protein Metamorphosis and Responsive Nanodevices
Thrust 1 research focuses on the emerging theme of protein metamorphosis as mechanism to enable natural and synthetic controllable biological nanodevices, organized in two broad areas: the functional roles of gradually morphing proteins; and engineering of control systems of the assembly-disassembly of biological macromolecular assemblies.
Adaptive and Responsive Mesoscale Assemblies
Adaptive and Responsive Mesoscale Assemblies
The focus of the research is to understand the mechanisms that enable assemblies to function collectively in adaptive and responsive ways as well as exploiting them for applications. 
Adaptive Cellular Communication
Adaptive Cellular Communication
We will examine the impact of cell-cell and cell-matrix mechanical interactions on collective cell motility, patterning and the emergence of function, combining experimental and modeling approaches.
Science & Technology Enrichment Program students in classroom setting
Science & Technology Enrichment Program
The CCBM has created an infrastructure that enables engaging research and learning opportunities for K-12 students.
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CCBM Highlights

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The NSF CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines was established with a $5 million Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) grant in 2016 from the National Science Foundation. The CCBM brings together more than 30 faculty members from multiple units across campus, including bioengineering, physics, chemistry and chemical biology, biomaterials science and engineering, cell and molecular biology, and applied mathematics. The center received an additional $5 million in 2021 for another 5 years of funding. Researchers are studying how biological matter like proteins or cells come together to perform specific tasks, in hopes of eventually being able to engineer and develop innovations ranging from designer cells and tissue to novel diagnostic and therapeutic devices. The CCBM also hosts an integrated, interdisciplinary training program for graduate students that emphasizes physical and biological components, research and training experiences for undergraduate and high school students to enhance the recruitment of students into STEM research, and outreach experiences for the local community and beyond.

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Research

physics, bioengineering, biomaterials science and engineering, quantitative biology, applied mathematics, and chemistry and chemical biology forming an interdisciplinary research community with a common vision

Education

nurturing teamwork, creativity, versatility and entrepreneurship for undergraduate and graduate students with a special emphasis on technical training 

Outreach

engaging K-12 programs focused on increasing the number of talented students in STEM fields & other community-focused efforts

Featured News

David Miguel

Summer Program Helps First-Gen Student Take Flight Into Drone Research

July 23, 2026

When first-generation mechanical engineering student David Miguel arrived at UC Merced, he had no research experience, but a passion for engineering and a desire to learn. A former foster care youth...

UC Merced Professor Sora Kim stands on a dock next to actor and comedian Ken Jeong and singer and rapper Rei Ami.

UC Merced Professor Sora Kim Makes Waves Again on Shark Week

July 22, 2026

Talk about meta: A pop culture phenomenon is using a pop culture phenomenon to undo the results of a pop culture phenomenon. And for the fourth consecutive year, paleoecology Professor Sora Kim is...

Edward Flores is pictured with a word overlay: Professor Ed Flores has been honored with the 2026 PACIFIC SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION'S Distinguished Contribution to Sociological Praxis Award.

UC Merced's Flores Honored for Work with the Community and Labor Center

July 21, 2026

The Pacific Sociological Association recently honored UC Merced sociology Professor Edward Flores, faculty director of the university's Community and Labor Center, with its Distinguished...

New UC Merced student and the Bobcat Bound graphic

From Atwater to UC Merced with a Big Head Start

July 20, 2026

This is part of a series of profiles of new UC Merced Bobcats enrolled for the fall 2026 semester. Tayven Tipler won’t travel far from his hometown when he starts at UC Merced and he is already well...

Events and Happenings

Apr
16

Gallery of Biotech and Bioscience Research

All are invited to attend this event, which will celebrate UC Merced research through a focus on bioscience and biotechnology research images. All...
Jan
30

CCBM External Advisory Board Meeting

At UC Merced
Nov
01

I-BEST REU - Applications due on Feb. 15

https://i-best.ucmerced.edu
Nov
01

C-SIP Undergraduate Research Program - Applications due in Feb.

Accepting applications beginning in Dec. 2025 APPLY  

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