Mission: To improve the quality of human life by advancing the understanding of health and disease through basic and translational research, and imparting this knowledge through medical and graduate training, in pursuit of better health for everyone.
The mission of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine is achieved by providing pre- and post-doctoral, medical, graduate, and undergraduate education in an interdisciplinary environment through research activities, teaching, and service, to advance knowledge of biology as related to normal function and disease at the cellular and molecular level.
Scientifically, Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) at the University of Arizona is recognized internationally for our faculty-led research in deciphering mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of complex human diseases. Our expertise encompasses basic mechanisms in cellular, molecular, and developmental biology, anatomy, and genetics as it relates to the normal biology of organ systems and disease states such as cancer, muscular/cardiac disorders, lung disorders, and other complex diseases. There is a strong emphasis on imaging, bioinformatics, ‘omics’, stem cells, and system genetics. Our research faculty are highly collaborative and take multidisciplinary approaches to their research. CMM ranks #5 in the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR) 2022 rankings of Cell Biology/Anatomy Departments within Schools of Medicine. The CMM Department prides itself on: 1) funded faculty that are leaders in their fields of research, 2) consistent publication of high impact studies that are paradigm shifting, 3) providing unique state-of-the art technologies to faculty across all UArizona Colleges, nationally and internationally, and 4) an overall vibrant research community.
The intellectual life of the Department is additionally enriched by our faculty who actively participate in interdisciplinary centers such as the Arizona Cancer Center, Sarver Heart Center, the Arizona Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, and BIO5.
The Department is committed to the training and education of the next generation of scientists as well as meeting the challenges of global science and leadership in all areas of the life sciences. This commitment is reflected in our dynamic and forefront curriculum and research opportunities. CMM is home to the PhD Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Masters’ Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Masters’ Program in Genetic Counseling, and Certificate Program in Biomedical Sciences. We recently helped launch a new Bachelor of Science in Medicine, an interdisciplinary and innovative healthcare-focused program with coursework in each of the University of Arizona Health Sciences departments. In addition, we support a Masters’ Dual Graduate Degree in CMM and Biotechnology through an Arizona Global Microcampus partnership with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University in India. We also develop and teach advanced online courses in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. Many of our graduate students and postdoctoral trainees have developed into leaders in academic biomedical research as well as industrial settings throughout the world.
CMM is integral to the mission of the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson (COM-T) in support of medical education, where our internationally-recognized Educator Scholar faculty spearhead the Discipline Direction of Anatomy, Histology, and Genetics. Working with the Willed Body Program, we support training gross anatomy, pathology, and surgery for all levels of education at COM-T and numerous institutions across the State of Arizona. These dynamic programs highlight our strong commitment to creative scholarship and education.
In CMM, we foster a thriving environment of shared understanding and respect that recognizes our diversity as a key ingredient of success in achieving excellence and innovation in research and education. We harness the power of diversity through inclusion by celebrating the differences in our identity attributes, including elements of our culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical and mental ability.
The University of Arizona provides an excellent scientific environment that is well known throughout the scientific community. The close-knit and supportive atmosphere is filled with curious and hard-working students, faculty, fellows, and staff. Feel free to utilize the services of this site and look over the research programs of our faculty. Please contact us if you would like more information, would like to make a donation, and/or would like to arrange a visit.
Cynthia K. Miranti
Professor and Interim Head
UA College of Medicine Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine