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About CDB

About CDB

The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology is a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment for cutting-edge research over a scale that spans seven powers of ten - from single molecules to whole organisms. The difference between a test tube and a cell is spatio-temporal organization, and we study molecular, cellular and tissue organization in many of the laboratories within our department, seeking insights into fundamental biological questions and human disease.

This year we achieved the #3 ranking in the nation for NIH funding, as compared with all similar departments in research institutions and universities around the US. We are an interactive and highly collaborative department, with a strong graduate student association, outstanding core facilities, a top-ranked developmental biology program, and exceptionally strong faculty. Notably, 100% of our primary faculty have external funding.  Recent faculty recruits are developing mass spectrometry imaging technology, and studying cell migration using super-resolution microscopy, single molecule analysis of microtubule dynamics, systems biology of intestinal epithelia, stem cell biology, choroid plexus biology, aging mechanisms, and inter-organelle interactions.

We train top tier postdoctoral fellows, medical students and graduate students to continue our mission into the future. Over 60 graduate students are currently working in CDB laboratories.  We have a Destination CDB program to provide additional financial support to new postdocs.

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Program in Developmental Biology

The Vanderbilt University Program in Developmental Biology offers a stimulating and supportive environment for researchers to study pattern formation, cellular differentiation and morphogenesis during the developmental process.

Membership in the Developmental Biology Program is currently over 200 researchers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, technicians and support personal across the School of Medicine and Arts & Sciences campuses.  Program members utilize many different approaches in their attempt to answer developmental questions based on their particular field of study. This mixing pot of scientific disciplines has given our members the freedom to adopt an interspecies approach to their research.

As our members work to answer challenging developmental questions they are encouraged to participate in weekly activities that are sponsored by the Program.

Group photograph taken at the 2019 PDB Retreat

Group photograph taken at the 2018 PDB Retreat

To find out more, please visit the Program in Developmental Biology website.

Contact Us

  • Department of Cell and Developmental Biology

    PMB 407935 U-3218
    Medical Research Building III
    Nashville, TN 37240-7935                                                                           **Deliveries Only**                                              Department of Cell and Developmental Biology
    465 21st Ave South
    U 3218 MRB III
    Nashville, TN 37232

CDB Administration

Basic Sciences Research Administrative POD2

Support and Resources

  • Paul Hoover

    Paul Hoover

    Equipment & Resource Manager, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt Brain Institute

Resources