David Infanger Defends Thesis
Dr. Infanger (right) with mentor, Dr. Robin Davisson David Infanger successfully passed his Ph.D. examination on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. His thesis title was "Molecular Mechanisms of Central Neuro-Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Heart Failure: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and NADPH Oxidase". Members of his thesis committee were co-chairs Robin Davisson from Cornell University and John Engelhardt from the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Robert Tomanek from the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Francis Miller and Mark Chapleau from the Department of Internal Medicine and Robert Gilmour from Cornell University. Dr. Infanger's research focused on unraveling the sites and oxidant molecules involved in central nervous system-mediated autonomic and cardiac dysfunction following myocardial infarction in mice. Dr. Infanger received his B.S. from Carleton College in Northfield, MN. Immediate future plans include a postdoc appointment in Dr. Davisson’s laboratory. Congratulations Dr. Infanger! Fisher Passes Comps
John Fisher (right) with mentor, Dr. John Engelhardt Graduate Student, John Fisher, successfully passed his comprehensive examination on May 11, 2009 in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. The title of his proposal was "Characterizing the processing and stability of ferret CFTR.” John received his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and began his graduate studies at the University of Iowa through the Biosciences Program in the Fall 2006. John will continue his thesis work in Dr. John Engelhardt’s laboratory focusing on species-specific differences in processing, function, and stability of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Congratulations, John! 2008-2009 Anatomy and Cell Biology Awards Ceremony Six high achievers were honored at this year’s Anatomy and Cell Biology Spring Awards Ceremony and Reception held on May 1, 2009 in the MacEwen Conference Room. These students began the year with the same opportunities as all other students, but through a strong commitment and a desire to learn, proved to be outstanding students. They were selected by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology faculty teaching teams to receive these awards based on superior academic achievement. College of Dentistry Awardees, Presenters and Guests (left to right): Department Chair John Engelhardt, Michael Buck, Jordan Poss, Professor Ramesh Bhalla, Professor Michael Finkelstein, Professor Paul Heidger, and Dean David Johnsen. Congratulations to this year's awardees: Henry J. Prentiss Award for Superior Achievement in Medical Gross Anatomy
W.R. Ingram Award for Superior Achievement in Medical Neuroscience
Award for Superior Achievement in Dental Gross Anatomy
Michael W. Finkelstein Award for Superior Achievement in Dental Histology
Award for Superior Achievement in Student Teaching in Anatomy and Cell Biology
Tung-Yang Wing Award for Superior Achievement in Anatomy and Cell Biology Graduate Education
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About the Department
Established as the Anatomy Department in 1868, when The University of Iowa College of Medicine was first approved by the trustees, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology has experienced extensive growth over its long history. Originally, it had one lecture hall that could accommodate 100 students, plus one room dedicated to microscopic anatomy and another to dissection, both in the basement. Since that time the department has expanded and moved several times. In 1997, the department was given its current name, which along with the greatly expanded laboratory space, better reflects its mission and research.
The Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology now serves three major functions: the performance of current topical research, the preparation of graduate students for scientific careers within academia and other related fields, and the teaching of anatomy of the human body to health professionals in training.
Research in the department is diverse and addresses problems in cell and developmental biology, neurobiology, cancer biology, and molecular biology. The department is also the administrative home of the University's Gene Therapy Center, an entity that funds and otherwise supports research in molecular medicine, with a particular emphasis on the development of genetic therapies for Cystic Fibrosis and other diseases.
