Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics

The Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics (B&B) strives to understand the molecular mechanisms of important biological processes, thereby providing insight into how disruption of these mechanisms causes disease. Departmental research is generously supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIH instrument funds have contributed to our recent two million dollar investment in cutting edge structural biology, biophysical and mass spectrometry-based equipment. Furthermore, income generated from intellectual property derived from departmental research discoveries continues to be reinvested back into the department, and used to stimulate the genesis of private biotechnology companies.

In addition to supporting our research, the NIH has recognized our excellence in the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB) and Biophysics, Structural & Computational Biology (BSCB) Ph.D. programs by awarding the university a highly competitive interdepartmental T32 graduate training grant. Our commitment to graduate education is apparent from the positions acquired by our previous students and fellows, who are professors at major research universities and leaders in corporate research. Our continued focus on pioneering research and quality education ensures our position as a premier Biochemistry & Biophysics department.

Jeffrey J. Hayes , Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics