Cell Biology Faculty Listing

Current Students

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Cell Biology Graduate Program Contacts:

Cell Biology Graduate Program

Program Information

                                • The Cell Biology Graduate Program consists of many different aspects of cellular  and molecular biology as it relates to several physiological functions and diseased states. 

                                  Areas of research strengths in the program include the study of cell and molecular biology of:

                                  1) Cancer
                                  2) Stem Cells & Spinal Cord Regeneration
                                  3) Pregnancy, Reproduction & Endocrinology
                                  4) Cell Communication & Signaling
                                  5) Chronic Pain, Cell Death & Stroke
                                  6) Alzheimer's Disease, Vertigo & Musculoskeletal Problems in Aging

                                  The Cell Biology Graduate Program is designed for students seeking a Ph.D. degree and it cooperates with the M.D.-Ph.D. program for students seeking joint degrees.  Students take advanced Cell Biology courses in the program as well  as electives in subdiscipline related to the laboratory of his/her mentor.  The subdisciplines include neuroscience, toxicology,  cancer biology, reproductive biology, neuro-endocrinology, or aging and developmental biology.  Course work and laboratory rotations are normally completed during the first 1.5-2 years.

                                  Upon completion of the required course work, students take a comprehensive qualifying examination by the end of the second year, as part of the requirement for admission to candidacy.  Following the successful completion of the qualifying exam, the student’s primary responsibility is to design a dissertation proposal.  Typically, the student is ready to write their dissertation near the end of the 4th year and the completed dissertation is presented to the Supervisory Committee and successfully defended in an oral examination within 5 years from the time of matriculation. 

                                  Cancer Cell Biology Track

                                                                • The Cancer Cell Biology Track was created as a multidisciplinary program to provide mentoring and a basic foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to successfully pursue a career in Cancer Cell Biology research. The Cancer Cell Biology Track is the driving force for promoting excellence in Cancer Research as part of a larger Cancer Initiative at UTMB.

                                                                  The Cancer Cell Biology curriculum builds on the first year curriculum, the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum. Students are admitted to the BBSC and complete all requirements of that curriculum. A student advisor is available (appointed) in the Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology to help students with selection of laboratories, choice of electives, etc. at any point that a student would like to commit to a career in cancer research.

                                                                  The Cancer Cell Biology Track is designed to provide maximal flexibility to students so that their education and training prepares them for their ultimate career goal. Each student is required to select a graduate program following successful completion of the BBSC. The choice of graduate program is open. Several programs are appropriate for students researching cancer, including the Cell Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Pharmacology & Toxicology. Students will be required to fulfill the requirements of whichever program they choose, including required coursework, qualifying examination, and dissertation proposal defense, etc.

                                                                  Graduate students who choose the Cancer Cell Biology Track will be mentored by the principle investigator of the lab, their graduate program advisor and the Cancer Cell Biology Track advisor (which is currently Dr. Kathleen O’Connor). Each advisor is dedicated to the success of the students.