Frédéric Chédin will step into the role of dean of the College of Biological Sciences, or CBS, on Sept. 1. Chédin, a faculty member and chair in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, said the college’s strengths are its singular focus on the life sciences and its exceptional faculty, students and staff.
Having spent his career at UC Davis, Chédin credited the CBS community as the reason for his long tenure on campus.
How do you approach the job of dean?
My first responsibility is to be an advocate for our faculty, staff and students. Over the coming months, I will meet with people across the college to understand their goals and help shape our priorities for the next five years.
CBS is a community of biologists who are passionate about discovery, teaching and mentoring. Throughout my career, I've found that the best science happens when people work together and challenge each other to be better, and I want to help foster that collaborative environment across the college.
What are your major priorities?
One of my highest priorities is developing a strategic vision that will build on the successful foundation CBS already has. That includes strengthening our research infrastructure, supporting our core facilities, investing in faculty recruitment and retention, and ensuring our researchers have the resources they need to innovate.
On the student side, I want to expand opportunities for hands-on undergraduate research that prepares UC Davis students for modern careers. This includes ensuring that the newly launched BIO123 Series continues to serve introductory biology students across campus. The college’s faculty already do a remarkable job of teaching and mentoring students. Their work will help guide how we move forward.
I am also deeply committed to the graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have driven so much research and innovation in CBS. My goal is to ensure that this critical training and discovery pathway remains vibrant into the future.
What challenges and opportunities do you see for the future?
Biology has never been more exciting than it is today. The pace of discovery is extraordinary, and the opportunities to improve human health, agriculture and our understanding of life are greater than ever.
Our challenge is to make sure the college is positioned to realize that potential. That means adapting to a rapidly changing scientific landscape while continuing to invest in the talented researchers, educators and students who make this community so strong.
What makes you feel fulfilled?
Discovery is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like realizing you’ve learned something that no one else on Earth has known before.
Just as meaningful is seeing that moment when a student understands a difficult concept for the first time or discovers a passion for science. Knowing you’ve helped change someone’s life through research or teaching — and that you’re ultimately in service to others — is what I find most fulfilling.