Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Ph.D.

Molecular and Cellular Physiology Program

D. Neil Granger, Ph.D., Boyd Professor and Head

The goal of the graduate training program in physiology is to provide the skills necessary for the graduate to pursue an independent career in biomedical research at a university, research institute, hospital, or in industry. The program provides graduate training through introductory and advanced courses, participation in seminars and national meetings, and preparation of grant proposals. Laboratory research is vigorously emphasized at all stages of the program. The major research emphasis of the faculty is focused on cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology, and cell and molecular physiology. Current topics of investigation relate to the function of the microcirculation in health and disease, vascular biology of nitric oxide, liver pathophysiology and obesity, DNA repair, cell signaling mechanisms, the role of granulocytes and free radicals in inflammation and postischemic cellular injury, glutathione-dependent detoxification, and mitochondrial responses to ischemia and  reperfusion. These problems are addressed at the subcellular, cellular, and organ levels.