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.

April 2021

Ta Yuan Chang, PhD Elected to the National Academy of Sciences

Read the Geisel News Article

Election to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is one of the greatest achievements a scientist can attain. This prestigious accolade was bestowed on Dr. Ta Yuan Chang, Professor of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Dr. Chang was elected, along with 119 esteemed scientists across the nation, to join the ranks of 2,461 active members who have made exceptional contributions to science. The NAS is tasked with advising the nation on scientific matters. Together with the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Medicine, this acclaimed group of scholars solves complex problems, informs public policy, increases public knowledge, recognizes contributions, and strengthens education and research. Created by an Act of Congress in 1863, the NAS is valued so highly that its role has been reaffirmed through legislation and executive orders.

Ta Yuan Chang joined the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in 1976. His scientific contributions in the field of cholesterol homeostasis have led to an increased understanding of atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

View the full list of newly elected members at: http://www.nasonline.org/news-and-multimedia/news/2021-nas-election.html

October 2020

Dr. Prachee Avasthi Appointed President of the ASAPbio Board.  Please see link below.

https://asapbio.org/new-officers

September 2020

Congratulations Dr. Avasthi for receiving the 2020 Women in Cell Biology Junior Award for Excellence in Research from the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).  The prestigious award is given each year “to a woman in an early stage of her career who is making exceptional scientific contributions to cell biology, is developing a strong independent research program, and exhibits the potential for continuing at a high level of scientific endeavor and leadership.” The article is featured in the Geisel Insider.  Please see link below.

https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/news/2020/new-geisel-faculty-member-receives-national-award-for-excellence-in-cell-biology/