November 02, 2020

Gavin named assistant dean for undergraduate biomedical programs

Written by

Environmental head shot of Dr. Cristin Gavin, PhD (Assistant Professor, Neurobiology) taking in a laboratory in the Shelby Biomedical Research Building, 2018.Cristin Gavin, Ph.D., has been named assistant dean for undergraduate biomedical programs. 

Gavin received her doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, while training remotely at The Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida. After completion of her doctoral training, Dr. Gavin returned to UAB for a post-doctoral fellowship. She joined the Department of Neurobiology faculty in 2016.

As an assistant professor in both the Departments of Neurobiology and Psychology, Dr. Gavin serves as co-director of both the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program and the UAB Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program. In 2016, she was the recipient of a National Academic Advising Association Award and in 2019, was honored with Dean’s Award for Excellence for Teaching. She oversees curriculum, faculty development, academic advising, recruitment, and manages undergraduate neuroscience research in the UAB School of Medicine. Dr. Gavin has worked with countless students to establish a series of professional development workshops that aim to help students with graduate applications for biomedical research programs and other professional schools.  

“I am excited to assume the role of assistant dean of undergraduate biomedical programs in the School of Medicine,” said Gavin. “Our innovative, interdisciplinary programs draw exceptional students from all over the country. I look forward to working with the program directors and partners in the College of Arts and Sciences to further grow, strengthen, and diversify our programs.”

In this role, Dr. Gavin will be responsible for the oversight and program management of established undergraduate programs such as the neurosciences, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, cancer, and biology.

“Dr. Gavin is an experienced instructor who has the passion to engage the next generation of biomedical students,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the School of Medicine. “I have confidence that she will provide the guidance needed to increase the visibility of our biomedical programs.” 

Gavin will officially assume the role of assistant dean on Nov. 1, 2020.