The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Shifts Focus and Unveils New Department Name and Mission

WASHINGTON (Nov. 6, 2012)­ - The School of Medicine and Health Sciences is pleased to announce that the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology will be renamed as The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine.  

The department is shifting its focus and expanding its didactic training for SMHS students while building high-value research themes. The department’s new name will better reflect the mission and research expertise that has evolved within the department, through new faculty hires and a changed focus on translational and molecular medicine. 

“I am very pleased that the SMHS faculty supports us in our effort to innovate, make an impact by asking significant research questions, and change our teaching and research mission. The new name more appropriately encompasses new courses that are being offered, including courses in science and medicine, nutrition, and in carbohydrates and lipids,” said Rakesh Kumar, Ph.D., Professor and Catharine B. & William McCormick Chair of the Department. 

The shift also enables better integration of academic interests of the SMHS clinical faculty. 

The name change was approved at the January 2012 SMHS faculty assembly. The department will begin using its new name in January 2013.