Program in Anatomy
The graduate program in Anatomy was created to train students for careers in research and teaching in Anatomy and Neurobiology disciplines. It comprises Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree program. Through these, students become prepared for a variety of careers in academia, basic science/ clinical research, the biomedical/ biotechnology industry, science education and community outreach, government agencies, and various other health-related fields.
Selection and Admission of Graduate Students Prospective graduate students may obtain an application for admission from the Division of Biomedical Sciences (www.md.rcm.upr.edu/biomed/).
Admission requirements are:
- A Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent (as determined by the Registrar’s Office) with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 0 overall and 3.0 in the sciences and mathematics. (Minimum required courses include General and Organic Chemistry, General Physics, Mathematics through Calculus, and 12 credits of Biology).
- A working knowledge of Spanish and
- An essay in English of approximately 1 single-spaced page setting forth the applicant’s reasons for being interested in obtaining a graduate degree and following a career in Anatomy/Neurobiology.
- Copies of official transcripts and three (3) letters of recommendation.
- An interview with the Department’s
- Research experience is highly
Filled out application form.
| PhD | |
|
Year 1 |
Gross Anatomy Embryology Histology Neuroscience
Seminar / Journal Clubs |
|
Year 2 |
Practice in Teaching Biochemistry Physiology Biostatistics
Research Lab Rotations Seminar / Journal Clubs |
| Year 3 | Dissertation Proposal Qualifying Exam |
| Year 4 – 5 | Dissertation Research and Defense |
Faculty & Areas of Research
Jennifer L. Barreto Estrada, PhD
Professor
jennifer.barreto1@upr.edu
787-758-2525 x 2300 / Office A-563C, Lab A-555
Behavioral neuroendocrinology and neural basis of drug addiction.
Rosa E. Blanco, PhD
Professor
rosa.blanco@upr.edu
INB 787-724-1962/Office 220, Labs 208-210, 213, 216, 112A
787-758-2525 x 2269 / Office A-563A
Visual system nerve regeneration and neuronal plasticity.
Yancy Ferrer-Acosta, PhD
Assistant Professor
yancy.ferrer@upr.edu
787-758-2525 X-2169, 2562 / Office A-572, Lab A-573/548
Neuroprotection and cancer therapeutics using natural products and targeted nanotechnology.
Juan C. Jorge, PhD
Professor
juan.jorge@upr.edu
787-758-2525 x1506 / Office / Lab A-521
Sexual dimorphisms; incidence of congenital malformations affecting genitalia and sex organs; public health epidemiological studies regarding pediatric psychiatric treatment and diagnosis and follow up of pediatric patients with congenital malformations.
Robert W. Kensler, PhD
Professor
robert.kensler@upr.edu
787-758-2525 x 1507 / Office A-563E
Macromolecular structure of muscle thick filaments and associated accessory proteins.
Mark Miller, PhD
Professor
mark.miller@upr.edu
INB x222, Office 214, Lab 112J
787-758-2525 x 2269 / Office A-563A
Rhythmic activities in the nervous system of invertebrates. Neuroanatomy of Biomphalaria alexandrina and its potential role in impeding propagation of schistosomiasis.
Nivia L. Pérez-Acevedo, MS, PhD
Professor
nivia.perez@upr.edu
787-758-2525 x 1512 / Office /Lab A-556
Anatomical variations and sexual dimorphism, primarily of the head & neck; and patterns of muscles that may present unilaterally, bilaterally or show agenesis.
Roberto E. Rodríguez Morales, PhD
Assistant Professor
roberto.rodriguez19@upr.edu
787-758-2525 X-1513 Lab/Office A518/517
Evolution and plasticity of social behaviors / Mechanisms underlying sensory system compensation.
Demetrio Sierra, PhD
Associate Professor
demetrio.sierra@upr.edu
787-758-2525 x1572 / Office A-503, Lab A-515
The effects of traumatic brain injury on the formation and expression of memories
María A. Sosa, PhD
Professor
maria.sosa@upr.edu
787-758-2525 x1514 / Office A-562, Lab A-570
Neural basis of interactive behaviors in invertebrate animal model systems; impact of anthropogenic environmental changes on nervous system function of local river fauna.
Natalia Valentín, PhD
Assistant Professor
natalia.valentin3@upr.edu
787-758-2525 x2300
Anatomical variations of vascular system of the limbs and the mediastinum of the thorax
Joint and Adjunct Professors
Christian E. Bravo, PhD
Assistant Professor (Dept. of Psychiatry)
christian.bravorivera@upr.edu
Active avoidance and cognitive neuroscience in rodent model systems.
Bruno Marie, PhD
Associate Professor
Inst. of Neurobiology
brunomariemail@gmail.com
Molecular mechanisms of neuronal synaptic growth and plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster
Andrew M. Seeds, PhD
Assistant Professor
Inst. of Neurobiology
andrew.seeds@upr.edu
Mechanisms underlying how the nervous system produces movement sequences.
Cristina M. Velázquez, PhD
Assistant Professor
Inst. of Neurobiology
cristina.velazquez1@upr.edu
CNS plasticity in response to substance abuse and use of opioids.