BioSciences at Rice

Researchers in the Kirienko Lab have developed a machine-learning method to identify potential drug candidates and new therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

The team screened more than 4 million compounds computationally, identifying candidates that showed promising results in laboratory testing.

https://news.rice.edu/news/2026/new-method-identifies-leukemia-drug-candidates-and-target

Meet and greet the faculty from BioSciences to talk about the major, the courses, and the research opportunities available in the Biosciences Department.

Freshmen students interested in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Synthetic Biology, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Neurobiology, and everything in between should come.

📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026
🕒 3:30 PM–4:30 PM
📍 Front of Anderson Biological Laboratories

Ready to take your research to the next level?

Applications are now open for Fall 2027 PhD programs in BioSciences at Rice University!

Choose from Biochemistry & Cell Biology or Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, with fully funded PhD positions that include a stipend and full tuition waiver.

Start your research early, work closely with faculty mentors, and build the skills to pursue a career in science and beyond.

📅 Deadline: December 31, 2026
👉 biosciences.rice.edu/graduate-program-overview

Last Friday, the BioSciences Department welcomed new students and new faculty at our Welcome Symposium!

New faculty members shared their research through talks, while students showcased their work during poster sessions. It was a great opportunity to connect as a community and kick off the new semester together.

The Center for Science Communication and Public Engagement will combine undergraduate teaching, online learning, professional training, and public events.

Scott Solomon, a Teaching Professor in the BioSciences Department, has been appointed the Center’s inaugural Director.

Congratulations to Dr. Solomon on this new role.

Rice University opens SCOPE science communication center | ETIH EdTech News — EdTech Innovation Hub Rice University has opened SCOPE, a new center combining science communication courses, online learning, public engagement and researcher training. ETIH edtech news covers the higher education initiative, Scott Solomon's appointment as Director and programs beginning in fall 2026.

The Department of BioSciences is pleased to welcome the newest PhD students in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (BCB) and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) to Rice University!

This year’s incoming students bring a range of interests and experiences to our graduate programs, and we look forward to following their research and accomplishments throughout their time at Rice.

Welcome to the BioSciences community!

Last Friday, the BioNetworks REU students presented their summer research at the OURI Summer Research Symposium, highlighting the work they completed over the past 10 weeks.

Throughout the program, students gained hands-on research experience while working alongside faculty mentors across a range of biological sciences disciplines.

Congratulations to all of the students on a successful summer!

BioSciences faculty members Caroline Ajo-Franklin, Cameron Glasscock, and Linna An are part of a multidisciplinary Rice team selected for a Phase I DOE Genesis Mission award. Led by Ajo-Franklin, the project brings together researchers from the Rice Synthetic Biology Institute and Ken Kennedy Institute to develop an AI-powered platform for sustainable biomanufacturing.

Applications open on June 29 for the Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium at Rice University. GCURS gives undergraduate researchers the opportunity to present their work, connect with faculty and peers, and experience what graduate study can look like.

More at gcurs.rice.edu

GCURS applications are opening in a week Your research belongs in the room. Applications open on June 29 for the Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium at Rice University. GCURS gives undergraduate researchers the opportunity to present their work, connect with faculty and peers, and experience what graduate study can look like. Apply and take the next step in your research journey. More at gcurs.rice.edu

For three weeks this summer, students from Lone Star College and San Jacinto College joined Rice Biosciences for an immersive research experience in biochemistry and molecular biology. Guided by Dr. Joey Olmos and Dr. Jamie Catanese, participants developed laboratory skills, explored scientific discovery, and gained valuable research experience.