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Our Mission

The Department of Cell Biology at UT Southwestern is dedicated to advancing the understanding of cell processes and their roles in health and disease. Our mission is to uncover the fundamental cellular mechanisms that regulate cell function, development, and disease, with the goal of applying this knowledge to improve human health outcomes. We conduct innovative research that drives new insights into biomedical science while providing an environment that fosters collaboration and mentorship for the next generation of cell biologists.

Advanced Research in Cell Biology

Our state-of-the-art research facilities on UT Southwestern's North Campus support a dynamic, collaborative environment that enables researchers to push the boundaries of cell biology and biomedical research. Using diverse in-vitro and in-vivo research models extending to human clinical trials, we focus on the cellular mechanisms that govern complex human conditions like cancer, kidney disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Access to wide-ranging core facilities from genomics and metabolomics to quantitative light microscopy and cryo-electron microcopy, makes possible research at molecular, organelle, cellular, tissue, and whole organism levels of biological organization. The insights gained from these models help to provide a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and to identify potential targets for new therapies.

Research

Training the Next Generation of Biomedical Leaders

The Department of Cell Biology offers a rigorous and intellectually stimulating environment for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Trainees work closely with faculty to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research. Through mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities to present seminars about their research work, our students and fellows are exposed to a wide range of research areas and prepared to become themselves leaders in biomedical science. They graduate with the expertise necessary to advance the field of cell biology and drive innovation in academic, industry, and clinical research and knowledge combined with the skills needed to develop independent scientific investigations and successful research careers.

Education and Training

By the Numbers

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Endowments

  • Southwestern Medical Foundation Scholar in Biomedical Research
  • Nancy Cain and Jeffrey A. Marcus Scholar in Medical Research, in Honor of Dr. Bill S. Vowell
  • E.E. and Greer Garson Fogelson Scholar in Medical Research
  • Virginia Murchison Linthicum Scholar in Medical Research
  • Ruth S. Harrell Professorship in Medical Research
  • Robert McLemore Professorship in Medical Science
  • Virginia and Edward Linthicum Distinguished University Chair in Biomedical Science
  • The Southland Financial Corporation Distinguished Chair in Geriatrics
  • John P. Perkins, Ph.D. Distinguished Professorship in Biomedical Science
  • R. Bacon Distinguished Professorship in Medical Science and Education
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Ph.D. Programs Open to Cell Biology Graduate Students Offered by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Recent Publication Highlights