Biochemistry

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Message from the Chair

Modern medicine is advancing at an astounding rate, in large part due to progresses made by biomedical research. Biochemistry is the foundation for many of these advances because, as a discipline, it seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying both normal and pathogenic processes. Such understanding is essential to developing new therapeutic drugs and treatments. In the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, we see biochemistry as a critical element in devising novel strategies for maintaining human health and combating disease. Our department is focused on elucidating the molecular events involved in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders (i.e. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and aging.

Biochemistry has changed exponentially in the past decades and our department continues to evolve in an effort to keep at the cutting-edge of biomedical research. Our faculty employ a broad spectrum of approaches in their research programs ranging from modern biochemical and biophysical methods to cellular and organismal analyses. The department's emphasis on molecular and cellular biology has greatly expanded our ability to understand the mechanisms of disease causing processes.

Our 45 faculty members (both primary and joint), 29 graduate students, and numerous post-doctoral fellows and staff scientist are committed to conducting state-of-the-art research on a wide range of disease-related problems. Descriptions of these exciting research programs are included on this website. We welcome you to browse through the website and feel our excitement. Please feel free to come by and visit.

Sincerely,

Sidney W. Whiteheart, Ph.D.
Professor and Interim Chair, 2011