Message from the Department Head

Welcome!

Welcome to the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) community! We are a group of more than 60 faculty who work together with undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate trainees as well as dedicated research and professional staff to advance our scientific, educational and service goals.

The BMB community is enthusiastically engaged in basic research to probe fundamental principles of the behaviors of molecules and cells as well as the organization of biological systems. Our faculty are also involved in promising applied research, identifying scientific solutions to pressing problems in areas such as medicine, energy production, environmental concerns and agriculture. Our interests are wide-ranging and yet complementary. We engage with researchers across Eberly College of Science and the University, pursuing interdisciplinary projects to creatively solve problems. Please visit the Research and News areas of our website to learn more about the specific projects and achievements of our faculty.

BMB is dedicated to educating the next generation of scientists. We are the departmental home to students from four majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Forensic Science. We train Ph.D. students in the Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology Program and our department also hosts Master’s degree programs in Biotechnology and Forensic Science. We are actively involved in efforts to transform teaching and learning within Eberly College of Science to best promote the production of a fresh generation of critical and creative scholars who will find success in advancing scientific solutions to societal problems. Please visit our student news pages to read about recent accomplishments and successes of our majors.

We also engage with the larger scientific community and the public to promote the scientific enterprise. For example, we have hosted more than 35 years of the Summer Symposium in Molecular Biology which brings distinguished scientists to campus for a stimulating scientific exchange and networking opportunity. We host Distinguished Lectureships each year in which renowned scientists address the general public and our scientific community about ground breaking advances in our fields. Our faculty and students are also actively involved in outreach and service.

Thanks for visiting and exploring our site to learn more about the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology! I am privileged to work with this dedicated and talented community and wish to welcome all new members as well as encourage renewed contact from alumni and others who are interested in our mission.

Wendy Hanna-Rose

Department Head