The Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE) is involved in teaching, innovation and application of modern technology for agricultural and industrial development in Hawaii. We teach Biological Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Bioinformatics, and Biotechnology, with the understanding that together these subjects support the foundation of new technologies to advance human needs. Our faculty conduct innovative research on crops, snails, and microalgae, isolate novel and useful bioactive molecules, and make improvements in these molecules using recombinant technology and biochemical methods. We also work for developing disease resistance in Hawaii’s agriculturally important plants like papaya and forestry trees - Acacia koa and giant leucaena. Our biological engineering faculty creatively manipulate biomolecules and biological systems for addressing the next challenges in Hawaii.
MBBE Graduate program represents one of the most successful intercollege, interdisciplinary graduate programs at UH. Since 2000, MBBE has collaborated with JABSOM, CRCH, College of Natural Sciences, HNEI, Sea Grant program, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center and other CTAHR departments like HNFAS, TPSS and PEPS for training our next generation of researchers and educators with PhD and MS degrees. The goal of the program is to prepare a well-trained workforce for Hawaii. The program awarded 110 PhD and 151 MS degrees from 2004 to present. Our graduates have been publishing in high-impact journals and are getting employed in both academia and industry. Some of our past graduates have reached leadership positions in academia and industries. The program has currently 70 students, 40 of them are PhD students and 30 are MS students.
Biological Engineering (BE) UG Program prepares students to work in various agricultural and environmental engineering industries in Hawaii. Sixty-five students have graduated from the program since 2009. A few of these graduates joined MS and PhD degree programs and the rest got suitable employment opportunities in several companies in Hawaii.
Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (MBB) UG program is the training hub for Biotechnology at UH Manoa. The MBB UG program was started in the year 2013 and is unique because all students gain two semesters of research experience in a laboratory. Graduates of the program enter the growing biotechnology industry or are accepted to various national graduate programs, as well as JABSOM’s MD program and MBBE’s MS and PhD programs..
Explore these department web pages and begin your journey to new educational experiences, career options and conducting cutting-edge scientific research in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering.
Mission, Goals, Values, and Vision
Degree Programs
The MBBE department offers educational opportunities within the following degree programs: