The Biology Department at Georgia State University offers Masters and Doctoral degrees in four research areas:
Applied and Environmental Microbiology (AEM), Cellular Molecular Biology and Physiology (CMBP),
Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry (MGB), & Neurobiology and Behavior (NB)
Applied and Environmental Microbiology (AEM)
The research directed by faculty within the Applied and Environmental Microbiology section concentrates on the use of traditional and molecular techniques to explore environmental, industrial and medical aspects of the occurrence and biological activity of microorganisms. The inhibition of microbial processes by external agents in one main area of focus. AEM faculty member Dr. Eric Gilbert is currently researching the use of microbial biofilms. Other current research projects in the AEM program include: biological treatment of industrial wastes, improvement of indoor air quality, and understanding protein secretion/export by bacteria. For more current research projects please visit the Research area of this website.
Cellular Molecular Biology and Physiology (CMBP)
Faculty in the Cellular Molecular Biology and Physiology research group at Georgia State University share a common interest in the function and regulation of eukaryotic cells and, in turn, how cellular function relates to development and physiology of the animal. Research directed by the CMBP faculty use cellular, molecular, genetic, and physiological approaches to understand how eukaryotic cells are organized how they communicate with each other and respond to internal and external signals. The newest faculty member to join the CMBP program is Dr. Susanna Greer whose lab is currently researching transcription factor ubiquitination. Other current research projects in CMBP include: cancer diagnosis, transport of heavy metals by the kidney, and regulation of neutrophil migration during inflammatory diseases. For more current research projects please visit the Research area of this website.
Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry (MGB)
The Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry research group forms the corner-stone of the departmental research effort. Historically, the interests of the group are firmly grounded in molecular and genetic aspects of microbial physiology. Over the last few years, however, these interests have expanded and diversified; addressing research concerns as disparate as the genetic basis of neural development in lower eukaryotes, programmed cell death in human tissue culture cells, and an understanding of positive strand RNA viral replication. This expansion has recently culminated in the acquisition of an Endowed chair in Biotechnology (Professor Julia Hilliard), whose research provides some new and intriguing insights into human and nonhuman primate alpha-herpes viruses. Other research in MGB includes: virus-host molecular interactions caused by infection with the West Nile Virus, bacterial gene expression, and immune responses to infection and vaccine administration. For more current research in MGB, please visit the Research area of this website.
Neurobiology and Behavior (NB)
The Neurobiology and Behavior research group at Georgia State University is addressing questions related to the functioning, development, and anatomy of the nervous system using a range of state-of-the-art techniques. Neuroscience is a growing field and our understanding of how the brain works is blossoming. The NB program at Georgia State is directed by Vincent Rehder whose lab is currently researching nervous system development. Other research in the NB program includes: behavioral functions of neurotransmitters, effects of drug exposure during various stages of postnatal development, and the role of sensory experience in directing development of brain circuitry. For more current research in NB, please visit the Research area of this website.
Please visit the Biology Department Website for more detailed information on each program.
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