Tags: Faculty

Alumni profile George Punkosdy (BS ’98, PhD ’04 – Cellular Biology); pictured: George Punkosdy By Susan Ambrosetti   Growing up in the rural town of Tallapoosa, Georgia, George Punkosdy (BS ’98, PhD ’04 – Cellular Biology) was always drawn to understanding how things worked. But it was a high school chemistry class taught by the tough yet inspiring Mr. Tommy McGuire that truly ignited his passion for science. The intricate…

Pictured: undergraduate class of 2025  The Department of Cellular Biology proudly celebrates the achievements of our 23 graduating seniors. Their dedication, curiosity, and drive exemplify the spirit of scientific discovery, and we are confident they will lead the future of biomedical research, education, healthcare, or wherever their paths lead.  We are especially honored to recognize Alexander C. Garrot as the recipient of the…

  Pictured: Hope Ritter with students 1966 By Lena Do  The University of Georgia Franklin College of Arts and Sciences has long been a place where knowledge grows through curiosity, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence. Few traditions embody this spirit more than the Hope T.M. Ritter Lecture Series, a program born from generosity and carried forward by the vision of family and community.  Hope Ritter was a beloved…

Dr. Nadja Zeltner is launching NeelaCell Therapeutics to advance her lab’s genipin research into potential treatments for peripheral neuropathy. The company aims to move genipin toward clinical trials, investigate its effects in disease models, and develop innovative cell-based approaches for broader medical applications. Read the full article here

Designed exclusively for first-year students majoring in biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, plant biology, or ocean science, Connect Abroad-Immerse: A World of Health: Marine Environments & Global Medicine offers a transformative spring-break experience in Belize during March 2026.   This newly launched program fulfills one-credit of experiential learning and immerses students in the vibrant world…

  The Department of Cellular Biology proudly honors the exceptional achievements of our graduating Ph.D. and master's students. Through their innovation, ambition, and creativity, these scholars have advanced our understanding of cellular and molecular systems. Their work exemplifies the intellectual excellence and collaborative spirit that define our department, and we are excited to see the impact they will make as they move forward as…

  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…

            Pictured: Ronald Kim (left); Mala Ananth (right)  This fall, we welcomed two new faculty members to the UGA Cellular Biology Department this fall. Both come to UGA with impressive experiences and research emphases. Dr. Ronald Kim and Dr. Mala Ananth both join our faculty as associate professors.  Ronald Kim holds an extensive background in multidisciplinary discovery and innovation.…

Congratulations to Dr. Moreno for assuming the role of Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Cellular Biology! Dr. Moreno brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and vision to this important leadership position.  We are excited and grateful that she has taken on this role and we look forward to the continued growth and excellence of our graduate program under her guidance..  

Original article source: https://news.uga.edu/uga-develops-first-test-of-cure-for-chagas/ by Donna Huber   New test protocol can detect low levels of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas Researchers at the University of Georgia’s Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases have developed the first test to determine whether treatment for Chagas disease was effective. An estimated 6 million to 8 million people worldwide…