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Undergraduate Cancer Biology Program College of Arts and Sciences | Heersink School of Medicine

Contact Us

Braden McFarland

Cancer Biology Co-Director
Assistant Professor, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
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(205) 934-3599

Sadanandan Velu

Cancer Biology Co-Director
Professor, Department of Chemistry
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(205) 975-2478

Jamie Grimes

Academic Advisor
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(205) 934-6135

One of the best things about UAB is its amazing diversity of its students — we are one of the top most diverse campuses in the United States. We want you to have every opportunity to succeed in your course work and college life. Here are eight easy tips for you to follow:

Into UAB students at the program's grand opening.

Are you an international student interested in studying engineering at UAB?

  • Visit the UAB International Student and Scholar Services website. They have all sorts of forms, guides, and helpful links to make your life easier.
  • Don’t be shy. Let your instructors know that English is your second language.
  • Take advantage of class study groups. They let you go over material at your pace.
  • Record lectures (with your instructors’ permission). Transcribe your recording to notes.
  • Meet regularly with your advisor. They are experts and can help!
  • Visit the UAB English Language Institute. They will give you assistance with both oral and written English.
  • Visit the UAB Writing Center. They have tutors and instructional workshops.
  • Frustrated and out of options? UAB counselors are there for you.

We invite you to explore all of the programs and services offered to international students. International Student and Scholar Services will be able to advise you about how to apply and who to contact for information. Please visit their website, or send general questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

And remember — you are not alone! There are other international students/non-native English speakers in just about every class you take! Share your stories and help each other!

Contact Us

Braden McFarland

Cancer Biology Co-Director
Assistant Professor, Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(205) 934-3599

Sadanandan Velu

Cancer Biology Co-Director
Professor, Department of Chemistry
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(205) 975-2478

Jamie Grimes

Academic Advisor
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(205) 934-6135