Program Leadership
Dr. Denneal Jamison-McClung directs the UC Davis Biotechnology Program, leads all affiliated program development activities, and teaches courses and workshops on platform technologies and tools that underpin biotech applications for a specialist and non-specialist audiences. In addition to teaching technical topics in undergraduate and graduate courses, she helps researchers to develop a professional understanding of the regulatory, policy, bioethics, entrepreneurship and IP paradigms that govern translational research. As a science communicator, she participates in fact-based conversations on the societal impacts of emerging technologies in food, agriculture and healthcare, serving as an expert resource for non-specialists, including policy makers, journalists, businesses and community groups.
Since 2007, Dr. Jamison-McClung has directed the BioTech SYSTEM, a regional consortium promoting K-14 biotech education. A strong advocate for women and underrepresented groups in science, she serves as Co-Investigator of the Advancing Diversity by Educating the Professors of Tomorrow (ADEPT) program and as a committee member for the UC Davis Center for Multicultural Perspectives on Science (CAMPOS). In the fall of 2019, she co-founded the UC Davis Cultivated Meat Consortium (CMC) with Prof. David Block and continues to work with DEB alumni in the cellular ag industry to develop training programs, awards and activities to support graduate student interest in this growing technology space. She represents UC Davis on the DOD-funded BioMADE Education and Workforce Development (EWD) Committee to promote national bioindustrial manufacturing capabilities and is PI for the Future Foods for Space Project. Dr. Jamison-McClung earned a PhD in Genetics with a Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology (2003), a BS in Biological Sciences (1995), and has broad technical expertise in plant molecular biology.
A Uniquely Comprehensive Program
The Biotechnology Program at UC Davis was founded on the principle that a diversity of perspectives and expertise is needed to solve complex global problems and that the next generation of scientific leaders need training in both technical and professional skills to facilitate the movement of biotech innovations from the bench to the marketplace. Key players in our cross-disciplinary training environment are academics, industry partners, policy makers, K-14 educators and community members. An emphasis on tailored mentorship, professional networking and effective science communication are embedded throughout our education and training activities. Our scope of impact is broad, crossing 29 STEM disciplines on campus, and focused on emerging and platform technologies needed for translational research in: agriculture and food science; environmental and natural resource management, and, human, animal and planetary health. A few of our flagship efforts are listed below and more may be found under the Education tab of this website.
Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology
Allows Ph.D. students from different disciplines to receive and be credited for training in the area of biotechnology.
Advanced Degree Program for Corporate Employees
Enables employees at regional biotechnology corporations to pursue a doctoral degree in relevant fields.
BioTech SYSTEM
A regional K-14 consortium promoting biotechnology education and workforce development.
Advancing Diversity by Educating the Professors of Tomorrow (ADEPT)
Working toward an innovative training model to diversify the professoriate in STEM disciplines related to biotechnology.
Anchored to Strong Industry Partners
Since its inception, the Biotechnology Program has built and maintains a resilient network of industry and community stakeholders with an interest in supporting biotechnology education and outreach. Dr. Jamison-McClung is in regular contact with industry partners and program alumni across a wide range of biotech-related enterprises to support the training and research missions of campus faculty. Each week during the academic year, we host a Current Progress in Biotechnology "Friday Seminar" to keep up with the latest R&D and career opportunities in the biotech industry. With our Industry Partners, we share a long-term vision for enhancing education, innovation and entrepreneurial activity in the life science sector of the regional, national and global economies.
Building a National Network of Biotech Educators
The Biotech Program has led several federally funded "Train-the-Trainers" programs for community college faculty and undergraduate educators since the 1990s and 2000s, helping to build a national network of post-secondary biotechnology programs and continuing to serve in an advisory role for many of these affiliated educational programs. Regionally, key educational partners have included biotech-focused high school programs, community colleges and comprehensive colleges participating in the BioTech SYSTEM K-14 consortium. We have offered the Teen Biotech Challenge since 2006, and have partnered with the UC Davis Institute for Regenerative Cures to develop California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)-funded summer research programs in stem cell biology for regional high school students since 2011. We value the relationships that we have built with a diverse network of colleagues who all play critical roles in the development of a robust, inclusive STEM workforce that can drive innovation and link the prosperity of the global bioeconomy to our local communities.
Getting Started
If you have questions for our team or would like pursue an opportunity with us, please send an email to biotechprogram@ucdavis.edu.