Crystal Rogers Honored as Chancellor's Fellow
Associate Professor Crystal Rogers is one of eight faculty members who comprise the newest class of UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellows, given to early career academics doing exemplary work in their fields.
The program, created in 2000, awards $25,000 in unrestricted philanthropic funding to support recipient's research or scholarly work. Chancellor’s Fellows awards are supported by private contributions to the UC Davis Annual Fund, Parents Fund and Davis Chancellor's Club Fund.
Rogers is a developmental biologist whose research focuses on neural crest cells and their role in embryonic development. She studies the mechanisms that drive formation of these cells across different species, using chicks, quail, peafowl and axolotls as animal models. Her neural crest cells studies contribute to our understanding of craniofacial development and birth defects.
“She is one of the shining lights of cell, molecular and developmental biology and her contributions will continue to inspire us for generations to come.” George Lanford, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Syracuse University.
Rogers provided some feedback about how this award will impact her work.
How would you describe the main focus and importance of your work to someone who knows very little about your subject area?
My lab studies the fundamental mechanisms that guide embryonic development, with a focus on how cells know what they are going to become and when. We investigate the molecular signals that allow cells to make these critical decisions. Specifically, we examine the formation of the brain, and a unique population of dynamic cells called neural crest cells, which give rise to facial structures, skin pigment, and the peripheral nervous system that controls how our bodies respond to the environment. By understanding how these complex systems develop, we aim to uncover the causes of birth defects, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and structural anomalies like cleft palate. Our research not only deepens our knowledge of human biology but also paves the way for new strategies to diagnose, prevent, and treat congenital conditions.
How has the Chancellor's Fellows Award impacted your work? In what distinct ways did the award assist your work?
As a first-generation college graduate, one of the most challenging aspects of becoming a scientist was learning how to effectively communicate my research, not only to the scientific community through publications and presentations but also to non-experts, including my friends and family. This experience shaped my passion for empowering my students to share their science stories clearly and confidently.
The Chancellor's Fellows Award provides me with the unique opportunity to bring this vision to life. I plan to create immersive writing and science communication workshops for the students in my lab, equipping them with the skills to convey their discoveries to diverse audiences. Beyond day-to-day mentoring, this award allows me to organize annual lab writing retreats, taking us out of our usual environment to focus intensely on writing, presentation skills, and the development of scientific manuscripts. By investing in my students' communication abilities, I aim to amplify the impact of their research and prepare the next generation of scientists to engage more effectively with the public and the broader scientific community.
What excites you about your work?
Even during the most challenging moments of my life, science has always been a source of joy and inspiration. As a child, I was fascinated by the concepts of cell biology and genetics, but it wasn’t until college that I truly understood what it meant to be a scientist- someone who asks bold questions and uncovers the mysteries of life.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to explore these questions using some of the most advanced technologies available today. In my lab, we study how a single fertilized egg transforms into a complex vertebrate organism, using diverse animal models such as chicken, quail, and axolotl embryos. This allows us to investigate development at every scale, from the level of the whole organism down to the intricate molecular mechanisms that drive cell fate decisions.
Every question we answer reveals another piece of the puzzle of life, bringing us closer to understanding how we are built from the very beginning. We also use high-resolution fluorescence imaging, which lets us visualize life at an extraordinary level of detail, turning biology into breathtaking art. The thrill of making discoveries that could one day impact human health and development is exhilarating, and the privilege of seeing the beauty of life in this way is truly awe-inspiring.
What do you love about teaching?
I was always an endlessly curious child but growing up in a family where neither of my parents attended college, I had limited exposure to scientific concepts. I turned to sci-fi novels, at-home experiments (including a snail colony and an attempted campfire on my porch), and science shows to satisfy my curiosity. It wasn’t until third grade, when my teacher Mr. Sorkin recognized my love for math and science, that I realized the power of a teacher’s influence. Later, my junior high astronomy teacher became my guiding light, and in high school, Mr. Petrich introduced me to the world of genetics. In college, my genetics and physiology courses continued to ignite my passion for science.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize how profoundly my teachers and mentors shaped my path to becoming a scientist. Now, as an educator, my favorite part of teaching is witnessing my students' 'ah-ha' moments- those sparks of understanding that light up their faces. Whether in the classroom or the lab, I strive to create an environment where complex scientific ideas become relatable and memorable. I use all kinds of creative tools; like ridiculous analogies (Beyoncé as RNA polymerase with transcription factors as her opening act), playful cartoons (microtubules as highways or railroad tracks for protein trafficking), and a generous dose of humor, to help students not only learn but truly understand biology, physiology, and anatomy.
Mentoring is especially rewarding because it allows me to do more than just teach. I get to be part of my students' journeys, watching them grow, discover their own passions, and ultimately succeed. Knowing that I can inspire and support the next generation of scientists the way my mentors did for me is what I love most about teaching.
Read more about the other Chancellor’s Fellows here.