Rafal Fudala, PhD, Graduate Advisor
Office: CBH 313
Phone: 817-735-0102
Email: Rafal.Fudala@unthsc.edu
The Biochemistry and Cancer Biology discipline offers both Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. The discipline provides rigorous education and training in biomedical sciences with a specialty in Biochemistry and Cancer Biology. Students receive training through original research, formal classroom education, problem-based learning, seminars, and journal clubs.
Faculty members are engaged in various aspects of biochemical, biophysical, molecular, and cancer research. The specific research interests of faculty cover a wide range of topics, including signal transduction, posttranslational protein modification in health and disease, protein structure and function, protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions, metabolism, molecular carcinogenesis, tumor immunology, Natural Killer cell mediated immunotherapy of cancer, stem cell biology, tumor invasion and metastasis, tumor microenvironment, cancer therapeutics, drug resistance, drug metabolism, drug delivery, drug discovery, nanotechnology/imaging, epigenetic effects on cancer risks, cancer health disparities, alternative medicine therapies of cancer, disorders of lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis and lipoprotein metabolism. The interdisciplinary research also includes investigation of the link between cancer with other disorders, such as aging & Alzheimer’s disease, HIV, and ocular diseases. Research projects employ state-of-the-art molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques that include genomics, proteomics, mass spectrometry, protein crystallography, molecular cloning, gene targeting, FACS analysis, advanced fluorescence spectroscopy, optical imaging, and advanced molecular technology for the detection of genetic variation between normal and cancer cells.
Students may choose faculty advisors according to their research interests. During the first year, students will acquire sufficient background in biomedical sciences, including biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, pharmacology, physiology, and immunology. The students will have the opportunity to rotate in research laboratories prior to selecting their mentors. Students will take two discipline specific required courses as well as additional elective courses based on their needs and interests. MS students are expected to graduate in approximately two years, whereas PhD students usually require five years to complete the degree.