About the Department

Neuroscience and Cell Biology, a Department within Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), pursues strong state of the art research in various biological fields using its extensive research facilities. Faculty research focuses on areas that include regulation of neuronal and glial gene expression as well as cells and pathways impacted during CNS development and disease.  

The Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology also is responsible for teaching aspects of cell biology, histology, gross and developmental anatomy as well as neuroscience for medical students, for hosting and participating in the teaching of courses for graduate students and for hosting a summer undergraduate program in neuroscience. The faculty also teaches neuroscience and gross anatomy to Masters degree students in the Graduate School.

Extramural research funding has been competitively awarded to departmental faculty members from a range of agencies. Historically, sources of departmental funding have come from the National Institutes of Health, the New Jersey Commission on Science and Technology, the New Jersey Commission on Spinal Cord Research, the New Jersey Commission on Traumatic Brain Injury, National Science Foundation, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Governor’s Council for Autism, Ethicon, the National Alliance for Autism Research and private individuals.

Communication and collaboration among the Rutgers RWJMS and Princeton neuroscience and cell biology communities is fostered through various activities including the graduate student sponsored, “Neuroconnections”, The Ira Black Seminar Series and a Departmental Seminar Series. In addition to inviting world-renowned scientists to visit with faculty and students and to give seminars, the Department gives junior faculty and students in our laboratories as well as the surrounding labs the opportunity to present and discuss their research with other colleagues in a public forum.

The Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology administers the Rutgers RWJMS Anatomical Association. The Association plays an integral role in education and medical research. It offers a carefully cultured donor system and is obligated to each donor to utilize his or her gift optimally.

Faculty in the Department publish extensively in peer-reviewed journals in a wide range of faculty research interests. The faculty serve on editorial boards. They are reviewers for scientific journals and reviewers for private and national funding agencies.

We are very proud of our many accomplishments. Take the opportunity to get to know the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology. Peruse the web site and give us a call if you have any questions or if we can assist you in any way.

Cheryl F. Dreyfus, PhD
Distinguished Professor and Chair