Life Interconnected

Advancing ecological and evolutionary science through innovative research, training, and partnerships to ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Research that Matters

Innovative research addresses global grand challenges in climate change, conservation, and emerging diseases.

DNA Icon (3)

Training the Next Generation

BS, MS, and PhD programs train the next generation of scholars with the scientific and professional skills to tackle pressing problems.

Building
Partnerships

Collaborations with agencies, non-profits, industry, and other academic disciplines keep research and training on the cutting edge.

Committed to Inclusion

A supportive departmental culture enables excellence through diversity, equity, and openness.

Biology for a Better World

Welcome to the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) addresses biological questions across levels of organization from genes and organisms to ecosystems and the globe.
Learn More about EEB

Faculty

Professor_Loudon

World-class faculty lead research programs and train students while meeting the needs of California residents and advancing scientific discovery.

Undergraduates

The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes breadth and depth in ecology and evolution while providing opportunities for research experience and career development.

Graduates

Treseder_lab _1

Masters and PhD programs offer preparation for diverse career paths in an inclusive community with excellent mentoring and graduate support.

Research in EEB

Faculty and trainees have access to world-class research facilities from the latest genetic sequencing technologies to an unparalleled network of field sites distributed across California’s diverse ecosystems.

Spotlight

Butterfly Blueprints

Adriana Briscoeprofessor of ecology and evolutionary biology, is featured on NOVA and PBS as she discusses how the scientific secrets of butterflies are inspiring technological innovations. 

News

April 16, 2025

April 9, 2025 Irvine City Council member and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Professor Kathleen Treseder was named a “2025 Woman Making a Difference” by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley at the fourth annual Women Making A...

April 16, 2025

March 24, 2025 Lee Lab team. From left: Zita Gao (second author), Kayla Ly (third author), Grace Lee, Yuheng Huang (first author). Irvine, Calif., March 24, 2025 — Why do genetic recombination rates — the process that...

April 8, 2025

Establishment of UCI’s Center for Microbiome Science as a provisional Organized Research UnitDear Colleagues, I am pleased to announce the establishment of UCI’s Center for Microbiome Science as a provisional Organized Research Unit (proORU). Microbiomes — communities of...

> More News

#1 Cool School

Voted #1 “Cool School for Sustainability”

– Sierra

#1 Best Public University

Ranked #1 in the Nation for public universities.

MONEY magazine

#1 University

Doing the most for the American Dream

– The New York Times
College Access Index