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 and DEI committee, 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.

     
Vanderbilt University
Program in Developmental Biology
PDB – About the Program