Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology

The Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology is one of 18 academic departments of Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine. Biochemistry and Cell Biology is also one of four partner departments in the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) graduate program, which awards PhD degrees through the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. Currently there are over 160 graduate students in the MCB program.

Biochemistry and Cell Biology's commitment to excellence in research, education, and service is an important part of our mission. Collegial and collaborative interactions among faculty, postdoctoral research associates and fellows, graduate students, Dartmouth undergraduate students and staff are integral to our culture. A general theme of our research is focused on defining molecular mechanisms that underlie fundamental cellular processes and yet our studies continue to provide key insights on aging, atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, neurotransmission, prion disease, kidney disease and a range of human health related issues.

June 2022

BCB Students Receive NIH Fellowship Awards

Two graduate students in the Biochemistry & Cell Biology program received highly sought NIH Fellowship Awards this spring. Congratulations to José Delgado, a fourth year PhD student in the Shoemaker Lab, and Kali Smolen, a fifth year MD/PhD student in the Kettenbach lab, on their accomplishments.

José received the F31 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research award. He will receive funding for his project titled: Molecular Mechanisms of FUNDC1-Mediated Mitophagy. José’s research will examine molecular mechanisms that facilitate autophagic degradation of mitochondria and organelle quality control in response to low oxygen.

Kali received the F30 Individual Predoctoral MD/PhD Fellowship. Kali will receive funding for her project titled: Regulation and Function of PP2A-B56delta. Kali’s project will focus on investigating the role of this major phosphoprotein phosphatase and how it modulates the oxidative stress response through the protein OXR1.