Each year, the MCB department and divisions recognize the achievements of outstanding MCB undergraduates. Students are generally nominated for an award by their research sponsor or other MCB faculty member. Many awards require participation in a spring semester MCB undergraduate research symposium. An award usually includes a cash prize and a certificate presented at graduation.
Students are encouraged to bring their interest in a nomination to the attention of an MCB faculty member. Details on each award appear below and the nomination and selection process can be found here.
For a list of the recipients of these awards from past years, click here.
MCB Departmental Citation
The Departmental Citation represents the highest achievement each year by a graduating senior in the MCB Department, not only in terms of overall grade point average, but in major coursework, quality of research, and such other factors that indicate the promise of great success in the student's career. The Citation is awarded by a vote of the Undergraduate Affairs Committee, after having examined the records of the nominees from each MCB Division.
Outstanding Scholar
The Outstanding Scholar represents the second highest achievement of a graduating senior in the MCB department. The Scholar award is determined by a vote of the Undergraduate Affairs Committee, after having examined the records of the nominees from each MCB Division.
Jesse Rabinowitz Memorial Prize ( by invitation only)
The Jesse Rabinowitz prize is awarded annually to the outstanding junior MCB major in the Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology emphasis, based on academic achievement in MCB courses and faculty recommendation. A stipend of $1,200 is given to support the student's undergraduate research during the summer between junior and senior years with the MCB faculty member of his/her choice. Students who are to be considered for this award must take the initiative in arranging a research project with a specific faculty member in advance.
Grace Fimognari Memorial Prize
Established in 1969, to be awarded to the outstanding graduating senior in the BBS emphasis of the MCB major, based on the same criteria as the Departmental Citation. If there is no qualified undergraduate in the BBS emphasis, the award shall be made to an outstanding undergraduate in Physics or Chemistry. The recipient receives a monetary award and a certificate.
Kazuo Gerald Yanaba & Tina Jung Memorial Fund Prize
This prize is made possible by the generosity of family, friends, and associates of the late Kazuo Gerald Yanaba and Ting Jung, two graduates of the Microbiology and Immunology major and former employees of Cetus Corporation. Award of the prize is based on the students' oral presentation of their research at the annual MCB Undergraduate Honors Research Symposium and by their honors theses.
Spencer W. Brown Award in Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development
This prize is given each year to the student who has most distinguished him or herself in genetics research. Award of the prize is based on the student's oral presentation of their research at the annual MCB Undergraduate Research Symposium and by their honors thesis.
Edward M. Blount Award in Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development
This prize is given each year to the student who has the highest academic achievement in Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development. Award of the prize is based on the student's major and cumulative grade point averages.
The Nilabh Shastri Memorial Award for Outstanding Immunologist
This award supports outstanding undergraduate research and scholarship in the field of Immunology and Molecular Medicine. The late Professor Nilabh Shastri was a world-renowned immunologist specializing in understanding the molecular mechanisms of antigen processing and presentation. He was also known for his excellence in undergraduate teaching and was the recipient of the UC Berkeley Outstanding Teaching Award in 2000. This Nilabh Shastri Memorial Award is given to the graduating senior in the Immunology and Molecular Medicine emphasis of the MCB major with high academic achievement, not only in terms of overall grade point average, but in major coursework, quality of research, and such other factors that indicate the promise of great success in the student¹s future career.
Award for Academic Excellence in Immunology
This award goes to the graduating senior in the Immunology and Molecular Medicine emphasis of the MCB major for high academic achievement in all MCB required classes.
Award for Excellence in Research in Immunology
This award goes to the graduating senior in the Immunology and Molecular Medicine emphasis of the MCB major for exceptional research performance in an honors research project.
I.L. Chaikoff Memorial Award
Dr. Chaikoff was a Professor of Physiology whose area of expertise was thyroid function measurement with radioactive iodine. He was also a pioneer in the role of hormones in lipid metabolism which influences arteriosclerosis. Each year, Chaikoff awards are given in recognition of outstanding achievement and excellence in the Cell Biology, Development & Physiology and Neurobiology emphases.
Jeffery A. Winer Memorial Prize in Neurobiology
The Jeffery Allan Winer Memorial award supports outstanding undergraduate research and scholarship in the field of Neurobiology. The late Professor Jeffery Winer was renowned for many years of dedication and support for undergraduate education and research. The award is given to the top graduating senior in the Neurobiology emphasis of the MCB major for high academic achievement and excellence of research in an honors project.
Paola S. Timiras Memorial Prize in Cell Biology, Development & Physiology
The Paola Timiras award supports outstanding undergraduate research and scholarship in the field of Cell Biology, Development & Physiology. The late Professor Paola Timiras was renowned for many years of dedication and support for undergraduate education and research. The award is given to the top graduating senior in the Cell Biology, Development & Physiology emphasis of the MCB major for high academic achievement and excellence of research in an honors project.