Cellular Biology and Pharmacology

The Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology was formally established in fall 2009 as part of the new Florida International University (FIU) College of Medicine (COM). It represents the common intellectual denominator of what historically would have been called pre-clinical (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology) disciplines.

Vision & mission

Vision; To be a nationally and internationally renowned department recognized for teaching and research in the context of a medical school.

Mission; To provide a dynamic and engaging environment in which to pursue a vigorous graduate education. The combination of diverse research backgrounds and an open environment should promote scientific exchange and lead to fruitful collaborations opening up new avenues of research and foster excellence in medical education.

The mission will be accomplished by:

• Constructing an encouraging environment that drives excellence
• Employing and preserving researchers engaged in extremely competitive research
• Promoting value for individuality as well as diversity
• Expanding and granting access to state-of-the-art core facilities
• Supporting local, national and international collaborative projects
• Facilitating interdisciplinary research
• Guiding faculty members towards academic excellence
• Developing a multidisciplinary graduate program
• Ensuring thorough schooling for our graduates

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. We are proud to have a diverse faculty with both master medical educators and world-class researchers and I am privileged to serve as their Chair. As a faculty we are dedicated to promoting excellence in research and medical education to train and educate the next generation to meet the challenges of leadership roles in all areas of the life sciences.

Our primary mission is to provide pre- and post-doctoral, medical, and graduate education and research training to create a high-quality, evidence-based, and innovative model for our students who will practice and lead in 21st-century healthcare. To achieve this, the faculty promote the development of intellectual rigor, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving. Our teaching utilizes interactive didactic lectures, small and large group case-based learning (CBL), team-based learning (TBL), problem-based learning (PBL), flipped classroom, and simulations. The Department also strives to create a stimulating academic environment to support cutting edge research in the biomedical and is home to leaders in many areas of biomedical research both in Miami and the newly founded Center for Translational Science (CTS) in Port St. Lucie.  Department faculty run extramurally funded research programs in modern molecular and cellular biology, which include investigations into the areas of arsenic toxicity, determining how mechanical forces affect cellular function, metabolomics, mitochondrial biology, proteomics, pulmonary vascular disease, and sepsis-mediated acute lung injury (ALI). 

Many of our students have dreams to continue into careers in research, teaching, medicine, and many other helping professions. As such, we recognize we have a responsibility to lead by example and encourage our students to build or strengthen their commitment to foster an environment of inclusion and diversity. Thus, the Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology is fully committed to ensuring that our students, staff, and faculty are all treated equitably irrespective of nationality, race, gender, or beliefs. 

As you continue your career path you will find the close-knit and supportive atmosphere in the Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology is filled with exceptional students, faculty, fellows, and staff all dedicated to help you succeed. Please feel free to utilize the services of this site and look over the individual interests of our faculty.  Finally, please feel free to contact us if you would like more information, make a donation, or arrange a visit.

Stephen M. Black, PhD 
Chair and Endowed University Professor, Pulmonary Biology in Underserved Communities