Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology
UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) celebrated the graduation of 12 faculty members from the LEading, Advancing, Developing (LEAD) program for spring 2026. The cohort brought together leaders from across clinical and basic science disciplines who are committed to strengthening their leadership impact and advancing academic excellence across the institution.
UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) recognized eight faculty members who graduated from cohort 8 of the SAIL (Sharing Authentically to Inspire and Lead) program for spring 2026. The program supports junior faculty as they develop authentic leadership approaches, strengthen professional networks, and navigate the unique challenges of early academic careers.
Etty (Tika) Benveniste, Ph.D., senior vice dean at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, has been selected as a 2026 Distinguished Fellow of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI), one of the organization’s highest career honors. The title recognizes long-standing AAI members who have demonstrated exceptional scientific achievement, leadership, and service within the immunology community.
Robby Van Sciver, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, whose research focuses on studying Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and cilia biology using mouse models.
Each month, faculty in the Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB) come together for a social event that invites all faculty, staff, trainees, and students to foster connections outside their labs.
The UAB Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB) continues its article series Meet the Minds of CDIB. The series spotlights the diverse faculty who power the department’s groundbreaking research. Through candid interviews, it gives readers a closer look at the career paths, passions, and real-world impacts of UAB researchers shaping the future of medicine.
On Friday, November 14, 2025, students from the UAB Heersink School of Medicine gathered to celebrate faculty excellence during the annual Argus Awards Ceremony. Established to recognize outstanding contributions in medical education, the Argus Awards are determined entirely by student nominations and votes, honoring faculty, courses, and course directors who have made a lasting impact throughout the year.
The UAB Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB) has launched a new article series titled Meet the Minds of CDIB. The series spotlights the diverse faculty who power the department’s groundbreaking research. Through candid interviews, it gives readers a closer look at the career paths, passions, and real-world impacts of UAB researchers shaping the future of medicine.
Starting in the fall, the Developing Emerging Administrative Leaders (DEAL) program will be managed by the HR Learning and Development team. This shift represents the university’s commitment to the success and development of its staff.
The UAB Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology (CDIB) has launched a new article series titled Meet the Minds of CDIB, spotlighting the diverse faculty who power the department’s groundbreaking research.
Cellular health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. On average, the human body has between 30-40 trillion cells of various types and with various functions. The healthier your cells are, the healthier your body tends to be, since all cells work together. For example, skin cells are one type of cell, but cells are present in every organ and tissue throughout your body. They contribute to digestion, immunity, and muscle function.
Barnita Haldar, M.D., Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2024 Relay for Life Champion of Mission Award by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The UAB Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (CDIB) has launched a new article series titled Meet the Minds of CDIB. The series spotlights the diverse faculty who power the department’s groundbreaking research. Through candid interviews, it gives readers a closer look at the career paths, passions, and real-world impacts of the researchers shaping the future of medicine.
Think a sunburn is just temporary redness? Discover how UV radiation penetrates deep into your skin, damaging DNA, accelerating aging, and silently increasing your risk of cancer—even before the burn begins.
The UAB Heersink School of Medicine is proud to announce the 19 winners of the 2025 Dean's Excellence Awards for Faculty.
The Heersink School of Medicine is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of its 1R01 Award. Securing extramural research funding is a very competitive process, and this award is a testament to these investigators’ groundbreaking research and dedication to advancing biomedical science.
Dr. Stefanie Robel, associate professor in the UAB Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology (CDIB), is a recipient of the Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship 2024.
Heersink School of Medicine introduced four new research focus areas in 2022. Of these focus areas, Brain Health and Disease Across the Lifespan aims to improve understanding of brain development, aging, health, and disease.
UAB has committed to a significant leap forward in biomedical research by approving the Center for Integrative Structural Biology during the June 2024 University of Alabama System Board of Trustees meeting.
UAB Heersink School of Medicine has awarded four grants for the 2023/2024 Heersink Multi-Investigator Program Awards, which are each funded with $150,000 per year for two years.