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a National Science Foundation Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology
Biomolecular Machines
Proteins are true cellular nanomachines that perform sophisticated biological functions by self-assembling into dynamic 3D structures that use thermal energy to change shape in response to specific...
Macromolecular Assemblies and Hybrid Devices
The high rate of discovery in nanotechnology is permitting us to realize nanomaterials with interesting new properties that can be used for building hybrid devices in conjunction with biomolecules.
Cellular and Multicellular Systems
Differentiating Tissue: This sub-project is a targeted effort to understand, quantify, and direct cell-to-cell and mechanical signaling in differentiating stem cell populations.
Lab Experience for High School and Undergraduate Level Students
biophysics, bioengineering & biochemistry
Science & Technology Enrichment Program
creating an infrastructure that enables research opportunities for high school students
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CCBM Highlights

The NSF CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines was established with a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation and brings together more than a dozen faculty members from multiple units across campus, including bioengineering, physics, chemistry and chemical biology, materials science and engineering. 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 and research and training experiences for undergraduate and high school students to enhance the recruitment of underrepresented groups into STEM research.

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Research

physics, bioengineering, materials science, quantitative biology, applied mathematics, chemistry and chemical biology forming a diverse, 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

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

Featured News

Researchers Seek to Understand Messy Proteins that are Critical to Cellular Function

October 27, 2020

Biophysical chemistry Professor Shahar Sukenik and the graduate students in his lab are trying to make sense out of what might seem to some to be chaos. They aim to better understand how a series of...

Ph.D. student Megha Suswaram was instrumental in assisting the Graduate Division transition its Graduate Orientation Week to an online format.

Grad Services Bolstered to Better Support Students Remotely

October 26, 2020

UC Merced’s Graduate Division provides many programs throughout the year to ensure students succeed academically, including faculty and peer mentoring programs, free tutoring, and social and well-...

Virtual Summer Academy, Other Sessions, Reached Students Around the Country

October 21, 2020

Students and faculty worked with a record number of schoolchildren from Merced, the Bay Area and southern California all the way to Washington, D.C., enriching their learning and increasing their...

Hard Shells and Electrosensory Gels: Lab Makes Surprising Discovery

October 19, 2020

Molecular biology Professor Chris Amemiya and his former graduate student Molly Phillips have made a discovery that upends traditional ideas about a structural polysaccharide called chitin that is...

Events and Happenings

Oct
15

"An Interview with Dr. Ken Caldeira" | on Climate Change

"An Interview with Dr. Ken Caldeira" on Climate Change Thursday, October 15, 2020 | 10:00 - 11:00 am Pacific Dr....
Oct
01

CCBM Virtual Sessions: Summer / Fall

Hosted by the NSF-CREST Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Machines at the University of California, Merced   -Open to ALL    ...
Sep
25

2020 CCBM Open House & External Advisory Board Meeting

The annual Open House and EAB Meeting showcases the center's research, education, and outreach efforts at UC Merced. Highlights include a keynote...
Sep
15

Dr. Mark P. Mattson Interview

Join us for an interactive session with renowned scientist Dr. Mark P. Mattson, as part of the center's Science for Humanity Series, on...