Biochemistry Leadership
Our department unites the expertise of biochemists, biophysicists, and chemists to collaborate in uncovering the molecular principles of life. Our projects include fighting cancer, exploring parasitic disease, and understanding neurodegenerative disorders.
Professor and Chair, Department of Biochemistry
The Sam G. Winstead and F. Andrew Bell Distinguished Chair in Biochemistry
Vice Chair, Department of Biochemistry
Ronald W. Estabrook, Ph.D. Distinguished University Chair in Biomedical Science ; Southwestern Medical Foundation Scholar in Biomedical Research
Letter from the Chair
The Department of Biochemistry at UT Southwestern is engaged in vibrant interdisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry and Biology. This unique focus fosters a highly collaborative environment. Research in the department is centered on understanding how both eukaryotic and bacterial cells function through mechanistic study of metabolic pathways, their catalytic enzymes, and their regulatory processes using a range of tools including the development of chemical probes and molecular and novel biochemical approaches that fuel new discoveries.
Much of our work focuses on developing a better understanding of disease, and projects within the department have advanced drug discovery in areas such as cancer, immune diseases, metabolic disorders, and malaria. Our research mission promotes and nurtures the development of students and postdoctoral fellows in our laboratories into confident independent investigators and professionals.
Faculty in the department conduct research and train students in a range of disciplines including enzymology, molecular biology, metabolomics, carbohydrate biochemistry, parasitology, chemical biology, synthetic organic chemistry, and natural products chemistry.
Our department maintains strong ties with other basic science departments on campus that complement our interest in mechanistic biochemistry with their focuses on structural, molecular and cellular biology. Visit our laboratory website for more detailed information on the research programs in our department.