Who we are
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine is one of the first cross-departmental graduate programs at The University of Iowa. It was founded by John Menninger in 1974, and funded by a National Research Service Award Training Program in Molecular Medicine from 1975-1992. This initial Program did not admit students or grant degrees. Instead, after their first year of graduate study, students from various departments were chosen and awarded stipends based on merit. Similarly to today, the students and faculty met for a weekly seminar, designed to inform trainees about the variety of research that was of interest to cell and molecular biologists, to give trainees practice in presenting their research to a critical audience, and to provide a social connection for trainees who were working in various departments. In 1992, the Molecular Biology Graduate Program was formalized into a degree-granting PhD program, and in 2017, the program changed its name to Molecular Medicine to reflect an expanded focus on translational science.
The ability to analyze and alter gene expression has become a central focus of a great deal of biological research. Scientists within many different disciplines are increasingly employing molecular biological approaches to gain new understandings of fundamental processes. Therefore, it is appropriate that the training of graduate students in Molecular Medicine reflect the interdisciplinary nature of research in this area.
Today, the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine still fosters the interdisciplinary efforts of a diverse group of investigators—both faculty and students—with common interests in molecular and cellular biology. Currently the program faculty represent the departments of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Dows Institute for Dental Research, Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Otolaryngology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Psychiatry, Radiation Oncology and Surgery.
A crucial aspect of our program is the opportunity to participate in stimulating research. The diversity of research interests within the program permits students to identify areas which match their special interests. Students entering the program are encouraged to begin their research as soon as possible.
Excellent facilities are available to support the research activities of the program. In addition to modern laboratory space, there are specialized core research facilities which contain commonly used equipment such as an oligonucleotide synthesizer and an automated apparatus for DNA sequence analysis. Virtually all of the equipment used in modern molecular biological research is available within the laboratories and departments of the participating faculty.
Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity
Diversity is a critical part of the University of Iowa’s research, education, and clinical care goals. A diverse student body, faculty, staff and patient population help provide a richer education for all students, and also contribute to a more well-rounded research enterprise. The Office of Health Parity works closely with administrative offices and community partners to foster an environment where all members of the UI Health Care community feel welcome.