ABOUT US

Biological Structure has a long history of applying cutting edge methods to advance understanding of the structure, function and development of complex cellular systems. Today our department is home to an exciting group of scientists who use molecular, cellular and systems-level tools to explore biological systems from development to behavior. We use molecular techniques to study cell death and regeneration, advanced imaging methods to obtain the structure of molecules and reconstruct entire neural circuits, and physiological tools to functionally image or record the activity of hundreds to thousands of neurons simultaneously. Major areas of research interest include, regeneration of sensory cells, assembly and repair of neural circuits, neural processing in the visual system, and brain-wide processes related to sensation, cognition, aggression and addiction.

In addition to graduate teaching, the Biological Structure faculty include award-winning educators who provide instruction in Neuroscience and Gross Anatomy to the talented and diverse students of the School of Medicine.

We welcome you to explore our vibrant community of scholars, experimentalists, skilled technicians, diverse graduate students and postdoctoral trainees from around the world.

 

OUR MISSION

The Department of Biological Structure is dedicated to exploration and education in a collegial environment that embraces diversity and inclusiveness. Our mission is to train the next generation of leaders in both the health and basic sciences and to pursue fundamental research challenges that will advance understanding of our human biology, from molecules to mind.

The Department of Biological Structure acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of the land on which we work and learn, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations, including the Duwamish Tribe. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the people of the land, past and present.

The Department of Biological Structure values equity and inclusion and strives to be welcoming and accessible to all. Our goal is to create and maintain an environment that recognizes and celebrates the diverse backgrounds of our employees and trainees. We recognize that overturning long-standing systemic barriers requires openness, continuous effort, and commitment to change. As a department, we will actively correct policies and practices that discriminate against and/or cause harm to minorities and marginalized groups. We recognize that oppressive policies create barriers that prevent the entry, participation, and full potential of our department, and this hinders the advancement of science. By providing resources to members of the department, we hope to empower them and support their progression through their scientific career. We are committed to engaging with the voices of our department to promote equity and compassion and respect for all.

For more information regarding the department’s equity and inclusion efforts, please visit the Equity and Inclusion page on this website.

 

 

DEPARTMENT NEWS SEE ALL NEWS

 

 

 

Developmental Neurobiologist named to
National Academy of Sciences

Dr. Rachel Wong, one of the world's leading experts in developmental neurobiology, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

 

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