Image: Pictured: Department Head Jim Lauderdale Dear Colleagues, Students, and Friends of the Department of Cellular Biology, As we begin the 2025-2026 academic year, I'm delighted to welcome you back and to extend a warm greeting to those joining us for the first time. The past year has been one of growth and achievement for our department, and I'm excited to share some highlights as we look ahead to an even more promising future. To start, I'm pleased to welcome two outstanding new faculty members: Dr. Mala Ananth and Dr. Ron Kim. Dr. Ananth's research explores how cholinergic signaling in the entorhinal cortex supports memory and attention, and how its disruption may contribute to early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Her work integrates molecular neuroscience, advanced imaging, and computational modeling. Dr. Kim investigates the development and functional organization of basal forebrain cholinergic circuits, revealing how distinct neuron populations encode emotional valence and threat memory, and how these circuits shape learning and attention. He also develops computational tools for calcium imaging to map neuronal activity. Together, Drs. Anath and Kim bring deep expertise and a collaborative spirit that will strengthen our department and foster interdisciplinary research and mentorship. We are also proud to announce in collaboration with the Department of Psychology the upcoming launch of the Neuroscience major, slated to begin in Spring 2026. This new undergraduate program reflects growing student interest in brain science and behavior and will offer a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in cellular and molecular biology. This new program is just one part of the vibrant research ecosystem that defines Cellular Biology at UGA. Our faculty continues to lead cutting-edge investigations into cell signaling, organelle dynamics, developmental biology, stem cell biology, and host-pathogen interactions. These efforts reflect our deep commitment to advancing knowledge and to developing the next generation of biomedical researchers, educators, and medical professionals. While neuroscience is an exciting and expanding area within our department, it is just one part of the vibrant research ecosystem that defines Cellular Biology at UGA. Our faculty continues to lead cutting-edge investigations into cell signaling, organelle dynamics, developmental biology, stem cell biology, and host-pathogen interactions. In addition, we are advancing the field through innovative research in biology education, exploring how students engage with complex biological systems, develop scientific reasoning, and thrive in today's learning environments. Together, these efforts reflect our deep commitment to advancing knowledge and to developing the next generation of biomedical researchers, educators, and medical professionals. This year also brought many individual and collective accomplishments worth celebrating. Dr. Silvia Moreno stepped into the role of Director of Graduate Studies for the department, and we extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Dougan for his dedicated service in that role over the past several years. Dr. Rachel Roberts-Galbraith was appointed as the inaugural Lois K. Miller Professor in Cellular Biology, recognizing her outstanding contributions to research and education. Lastly, Dr. Nadja Zeltner was one of five UGA scholars awarded an NSF CAREER Award, recognizing her innovative research on disorders of the peripheral nervous system. Three research groups made significant advances in combating two of the world's most deadly diseases. Dr. Rick Tarleton's team advanced the development of effective treatments for Chagas disease, a neglected tropical illness affecting millions across the Americas. In the fight against malaria, Dr. Vasant Muralidharan's group uncovered the role of an essential protein in Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the deadliest form of the disease-offering promising new directions for vaccine and drug development, and Dr. Samarchith Kurup received the prestigious PATH Award from the BurroughsWelcome Fund for his groundbreaking research into malaria pathogenesis, helping to illuminate the molecular mechanisms that drive infection and disease progression. In another major recognition of research excellence, Dr. Nadja Zeltner was one of five UGA scholars awarded an NSF CAREER Award, recognizing her innovative research on disorders of the peripheral nervous system. The achievements of our students and faculty together affirm that 2024-2025 was another strong year for our department-one in which we met, once again, the high standards we set for ourselves as a collaborative and driven academic community. We celebrated successful dissertation defenses, faculty promotions, and the graduation of Cellular Biology majors. These accomplishments reflect the dedication, curiosity, and team spirit that define our department. As we look ahead, I encourage everyone to stay engaged-whether through seminars, mentoring, research, or simply connecting with one another. Our strength lies in our shared commitment to discovery, education, and community. Thank you for all that you do to make the Department of Cellular Biology a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and work. I look forward to another exciting year together. Thank you for all that you do to make the Department of Cellular Biology a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and work. I look forward to another exciting year together. Warm regards, Jim Lauderdale Type of News/Audience: Alumni Graduate students Undergraduate students Faculty Staff
