Welcome to the Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics Department web site. We are a dynamic group of faculty, graduate students, post-doctoral investigators and staff who are enthusiastically dedicated to the research and teaching missions of the department. As scientists, we advance the frontiers of knowledge by answering important questions in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Plant Molecular Genetics, Microbiology, and Microbial Pathogenesis. We are particularly interested in the regulation of gene expression, and in the diverse molecular strategies used by microbes, animal and plant cells to interact with each other and with the environment. As members of a university with strong ties to biotechnology, we often intertwine our research with the development of applications of economical and health importance.

Our interest in making a positive impact on future generations is evident from the important role we play in the Biological Sciences (BSCI) undergraduate major, and in the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MOCB) and Computational Biology, Bioinformatics and Genomics (CBBG) research clusters of the BISI Graduate Program. Our faculty is committed to offer engaging and academically rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs that address the national need for scientifically literate citizens and professionally trained scientists. Our goal is to provide to students a high quality scientific education that includes a broad understanding of the significance of biology in their lives, and in the world around them. Reflecting the research interests and expertise of the faculty, our undergraduate students experience an education specifically targeting the areas of cell biology, molecular biology and microbiology. Similarly, our graduate programs offer comprehensive and vigorous training in these areas, with the goal of producing outstanding scientists who are equipped to meet critical needs of society, and who will also direct and shape the future of science.

I encourage you to explore this site to learn more about us!

Norma Andrews
Professor and Chair