Concise Encyclopedia of Tufts History
Sauer, Anne
Branco, Jessica
Bennett, John
Crowley, Zachary
2000
Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, 1893
Classic anatomy with dissection and histology has been taught at the medical school since 1893. Since that time the department has maintained a reputation for having a strong teaching program. | |
The department offers courses in gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, histology, and cellular biology and includes nineteen faculty members, thirteen of whom teach both medical and dental students. Over the years, members of the department have been the recipients of a number of basic science teaching awards presented by graduating students. | |
Until 1964 research in this department was very modest and focused mainly on anatomical descriptions and variations. However, under the leadership of Dr. Lauro Cavazos, who became professor and chairman that year, the department's direction changed markedly. For one thing, it began to incorporate the teaching of cellular biology and was renamed to that effect. In addition, Dr. Cavazos saw to it that a significant research enterprise was developed and modern laboratories were constructed. | |
The great majority of the department's research focuses on the cellular phenomena of reproduction, embryonic development, and vascular and skin healing. Investigators possess expertise in the techniques of molecular and cellular biology, protein and polysaccharide biochemistry, immunology, transgenic manipulation, and computer-based imaging. | |
In 1992 the department's total research budget amounted to more than $4.6 million (compared to $245,000 in 1978). Overall, faculty have been quite successful in obtaining research support: the department currently ranks in the nation's top ten anatomy departments in terms of NIH funding. One member of the faculty, Dr. Thomas E Linsenmayer, has been presented with the National Institute of Eye Research's prestigious MERIT Award. In recent years the department has received a program project award to study the molecular and cellular aspects of early limb development as well as a Center Grant in Reproductive Biology. The graduate program in anatomy has also been successful and has attracted increasing numbers of students. | |
Source: COE, 125-26. | |
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