Cell Biology
- Globally acclaimed research in cellular biology
New advances in medicine require a precise understanding of the cell, the fundamental unit of the human body. The Department of Cell Biology delivers comprehensive BSc, MSc and PhD educational programs with a focus on training the next generation of scientists and related health professionals. These programs are integrated with a group of research laboratories led by internationally recognized scientists driving new insight into the causes and effects of human disease, and how these might be treated in the future.
Programs
Undergraduate Degree Program
The Department of Cell Biology, in conjunction with the Faculty of Science, offers a BSc Honors or Major in Cell Biology. The goal of modern cell biology is to establish a molecular understanding of cells exploiting techniques drawn from molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, microscopy and biophysics.
Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Cell Biology offers graduate programs leading to the MSc and PhD degrees in cell biology. It offers world-class training in areas like organelle biogenesis, virology, cancer, proteomics, and spinal cord injury. Students engage in independent research, seminars, and courses to develop skills in identifying important problems, critical analysis, and effective communication.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
The Department of Cell Biology offers CELL 398/498/499 courses for undergraduate students interested in engaging with cutting edge cell biology research. Students can view different research opportunities and are encouraged to reach out to faculty as soon as possible.
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Research Excellence
Cell Biology Associate Professor Dr. Qiumin Tan holds the Canada Research Chair II in Molecular Genetics of Human Disease.
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Teaching Innovation
Cell Biology Professor Dr. Paul LaPointe is the former Director of Extended Reality for the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Learning Design Studio.
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Student Engagement
The Cell Biology undergraduate and graduate students associations host a variety of events throughout the year, encouraging connectivity within the department.
Message from the Chair
Welcome! As one of the newest fundamental research Departments in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Cell Biology has grown steadily to a cohort of 20 faculty members (including our adjunct faculty) leading internationally recognized research laboratories. Our ongoing goal as a group includes leveraging the ‘state-of-the-art’ research taking place in these laboratories to train excellent undergraduate and graduate students for careers in research and related health fields. Join us as we use traditional techniques like biochemistry, physiology or genetics combined with new approaches like systems biology or advanced imaging to understand the fundamental unit of life, the cell, and how cellular defects cause human disease.
Dr. Andrew Simmonds
Professor and Chair
NEWS & EVENTS
Julie Haskins Appears on UAlberta Podcast!
Our very own Julie Haskins was a guest on the new podcast, Science at the Fifty-Third Degree, talking about her historical 45 years (you read that right!) at the University of Alberta in the Cell Biology Department. She shares her memories and some advice for those wanting to make a life and career in science. It's a memorable episode well worth your time. Congratulations Julie!LISTEN TO THE SHOW!
Stem Cell Core Takes The Spotlight at WCHRI!
In the 2025-2026 Women and Children's Health Research Institute's Impact Report, the new stem cell core, led by Dr. Sandeep Gupta (left) and Dr. Anastassia Voronova is featured in the story, Tiny models, big impact. Congratulations to both for continuing to take the lead in health research! READ THE ARTICLE
A New Model of Cellular Aging Can Help Us Screen Anti-Aging Compounds!
Dr. Troy Harkness and his team have developed a yeast-based model to rapidly screen anti-aging compounds, focusing on the protein buildup that drives diseases like premature aging syndrome. READ MORE
Dr. LaPointe Honored with the Rutherford Award for Teaching Excellence!
Huge congratulations to Dr. Paul LaPointe for winning this year's Rutherford award! The Rutherford Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching recognizes publicly the achievement of teaching excellence, and is intended to publicize such excellence to the University and the wider community, to encourage the pursuit of achievement of such inclusive excellence among academic staff, and to promote informed discussion of teaching and its improvement at the University of Alberta.
A great day for CELL and Cell Biology!
Last week, the inaugural CELL 400 course came to an end and all involved called it a success. Rineke and Alex were exemplary leaders and the students showed their thanks. READ MORE
A Small Enzyme With A Large Significance
Dr. Hocking recently has shown that PIKfyve is important in normal vision and causing dysfunction could lead to problems down the road. Her research also presents a cautionary tale as to why we need to focus on cell biology when performing drug development.READ MORE
Discovering New Ways to Counter COVID
Dr. Hobman went deep into the virus' entry mechanism and discovered two important steps that may be targets for treatment in the future. As we are still not safe from the SARS coronaviruses, this work will help to ensure we will be better prepared in the future.READ MORE
Developing the Future of Precision Cancer Treatments
The Lapointe Lab has ventured into the realm of radiotheragnostics and developed a novel formulation that may one day fight cancer at the individual cell level to increase effectiveness and reduce the risk of adverse events.READ MORE
The Importance of Capicua in Cell Death
The Tan lab has unveiled the mechanism behind capicua's involvement in brain development. As they have learned, the protein plays a significant role in making sure cell turnover proceeds as required.READ MORE
Co-operation in Cellular Chaperones May Give Cancer an Unexpected Edge
A new publication from first author, Desmond Prah Amoah in Dr. LaPointe's lab reveals how a necessary protein in our cells - Hsp90 - can also help in the transformation process with the help of a co-chaperone, Aha1. This finding may help us find a new target for therapies and possibly new directions for treatment.READ MORE
Celebrating Cell Biology Laboratory Excellence
We want to congratulate Cell Biology's Julie Haskins for being recognized for her long standing career (to date) here at the University of Alberta! Click on the link to read more and make sure to say "Thank You!" when you next see her in the hall!READ MORE
Dr. Simmen Discovers Mechanism Behind Rare Epiletic Syndrome
As he shows in his new Cell Reports publication, an aberration in the cell's stress control is the key factor in the rare disease known as Neurodevelopmental disorder with microcephaly, cortical malformations, and spasticity (NEDCMS). The discovery opens the door to more research into therapy development for this disease and posibly other developmental epileptic encephalopathies. READ MORE
Dr. Top Honoured With Junior Investigator Award
At this year's Canadian Chronobiology Conference, Dr. Deniz Top was celebrated for his continuing work in circadian rhythms in health and disease. If you happen to see him wandering the hallways, make sure to give him a high five! READ MORE
Celebrating Cell Biology at WCHRI Research Day 2025
Once again, Cell Biology was well represented at the Women and Children's Health Research Institute's Research Day. From posters to talks, the importance of Cell Biology was front and centre as well as the important research that impacts health. READ MORE
A discussion with Adjunct Profressor Dr. Sarah Hughes on Mentorship
Dr. Hughes has won the Excellence in Mentorship Award for 2025. We caught up with her to learn what the award means to her and what is the secret to a successful mentorship! READ MORE
Cell Biology Teams Up with CMHF for An Unforgettable Experience
Every year the Department of Cell Biology welcomes high school students to show them the wonders of the cell - and cell biology research - during Discovery Days in Health Sciences. This year was yet another success and we want to send a HUGE thanks to all who were involved! READ MORE
Maddie Dee Awarded WCHRI Summer Studentship
Maddie Dee is a mainstay in the Cell Biology department. Now the rest of the world is going to have the chance to know her thanks to this spotlight article by the Women and Children's Health Research Institute. Be sure to read the article and congratulate her next time you see her in the hallway! READ MORE
Another Cell Biology Graduate Success Story!
Dr. Matt Anderson-Baron, PhD (2018) has announced a large investment in his company that uses Drosophila as a biofactory for proteins. This innovative approach may help to reduce the cost of developing new molecules and medicines. READ MORE
The International Cell Biology Symposium was a HUGE Success!
On June 6, 2025, the Department brought the world together in one room to recognize four decades of research. The researcher of honour, Dr. Richard Rachubinski, was celebrated through a demonstration of the impact his work has had in advancing global research, medicine, and health. READ MORE
Dr. Simmen's lab makes a critical breakthrough in pain research.
Dr. Thomas Simmen in collaboration with Dr. Bradley Kerr (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine) have published a paper that reveals the cellular source of pain and how it can be blocked. You can read the paper, Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Oxidoreductin 1 modulates neuronal excitability and nociceptive sensitivity in mice or click on the button to read a summary of the findings.
Gold Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Research!
The Department of Cell Biology is pleased to present this award to: Ms. Harmanjot Kaur, BSc – Honors in Cell Biology. Ms. Kaur undertook the research project “The role of oxidative stress in PACS2 disease” under the supervision of Dr. Thomas Simmen.
Congratulations to Dr. Andrew Simmonds!
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is pleased to share the reappointment of Dr. Andrew Simmonds as Chair of the Cell Biology Department for a second five-year term from Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2029.
Welcome To Cell Biology (The Video)
The Department of Cell Biology has a rich history of excellence in education and research. Watch this video to meet our faculty and students and explore the innovative programs and student experience that make our department exceptional.
Cell Biology Participates in Discovery Day 2024
On October 24, the Department of Cell Biology once again supported the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Discovery Day by hosting an engaging Brain Discovery workshop. High school students from Edmonton and Red Deer areas explored the fascinating world of neuroscience by observing Drosophila larvae under the microscope. They had hands-on experience dissecting larval brains and capturing images of glowing nerve cells. Everyone had an exciting time learning about microscopy and brain development.
Fat in the brain could be key to new treatments for Parkinson’s disease, says researcher
Maria Ioannou is leading foundational research on understanding lipids in the brain that could reveal new targets for therapies to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Exploring genetic frontiers: An interview with Andrew Simmonds
Check out Dr. Andrew Simmonds' interview with Genome, where he has been appointed as Co-Editor-in-Chief! In this Q&A, Dr. Simmonds shares insights into his career journey, recent breakthroughs in his lab, and the challenges and rewards of an academic career. He also discusses the vital role of undergraduate students in scientific research and offers advice for those embarking on a career in cellular biology.