Since 1960, our Biochemistry graduate program has prepared scientists to make a real-world impact through M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry. Graduates work across industry, academia, and government in Puerto Rico, the U.S. mainland, and Latin America. Our department investigates the molecular basis of diseases that affect our communities locally and nationally, combining basic discovery with translational research to turn ideas into solutions.

At the heart of the program is hands-on training and mentorship. Faculty actively secure external funding to support students and maintain state-of-the-art laboratories, creating an environment where you learn science by doing science. Undergraduates can get involved through seminars, lab visits, and mentored projects that build a clear pathway into our PH.D. program. Our faculty also serve as mentors in the Intercampus Ph.D. in Biology at the UPR Río Piedras Campus, expanding our network and student opportunities.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Biochemistry is located on the sixth and second floors of the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Dr. Guillermo Arbona Irizarry Building at the Río Piedras Medical Center. Available Research Facilities include the Metabolomics Research Core, the Genomics Translational Research Unit, the Molecular Biology Core, and the facilities of the Center for Environmental and Toxicological Research. Also available on our campus are the Translational Proteomics Center, Flow Cytometry and Electron Microscopy Units, the campus Computer Center, and the Animal Resources Center.

The resources of the Molecular Sciences Research Center are located off-campus in Río Piedras, PR. These resources complement the facilities offered by the individual investigators in their respective laboratories.

Candidates for a Ph.D. degree must complete a minimum of 48 course credits in addition to 15 dissertation credits and must pass a comprehensive exam that is taken after the second year of coursework

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

  1. All applicants must fulfill the general requirements of the Graduate Division of the School of Medicine. Please, contact de Deanship for Biomedical Sciences regarding the deadline to apply for admission.
  2. It is desirable that applicants have a B.S. degree in Chemistry or Biology; however, applicants with majors in other areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
  3. Applicants must have a minimum G.P.A. and G.P.S. of 3.0.
  4. Required undergraduate courses are: General Biology (2 semesters), General Chemistry (2 semesters), Analytical Chemistry (1 semester), Organic Chemistry (2 semesters), Physics, and Calculus-I. Recommended courses include Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Statistics and Genetics.

FINANCIAL AID:

Teaching and Research Assistantships are available through the Dean of Academic Affairs. Information on other financial aid is available through the Office of Financial Aid.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

  • Molecular and Genetic Alterations in Disease
  • Molecular mechanisms that control gene expression
  • Biochemistry of Proteins
  • Protein Structure/Function Relationships
  • Identification of targets for therapeutic antifungals
  • Genomics
  • Proteomics
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Analytical Biochemistry
  • Biochemical Toxicology
  • Biochemical Pharmacology
  • Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Experimental Therapeutics for Cancer Metastasis
  • Cancer metabolism, therapy response
  • Drug delivery for siRNAs and miRNAs in cancer
  • Metabolomics
  • Integrated Multi-omics Approaches

THE BIOCHEMISTRY FACULTY AND THEIR RESEARCH INTERESTS

Baerga, Abel J., Ph.D.
Professor
Biosynthesis of natural products; Enzyme Structure, Function, and Mechanisms; Gut microbiome interactions in cancer

Cadilla, Carmen L., Ph.D.
Professor
Human Genetics and Genomics; Rare Genetic Disorders that affect the PR population; Regulation of gene expression

Chorna, Nataliya, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Metabolism

Dharmawardhane, Suranganie, Ph.D.
Professor
Signal transduction in breast cancer metastasis. Experimental therapeutic for breast cancer

Diaz Osterman, Carlos, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor (Ad Honorem)
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Immunometabolomic Indicators of Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness

Franco, Héctor L., Ph.D.
Associate Professor (Ad Honorem)
Single Cell Genomics; Gene Regulation and Enhancer Function in Cancer; Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cancer

Jiménez, Braulio  D., Ph.D.
Professor Molecular Toxicology
Effects of environmental pollutants on gene expression and asthma

Rodríguez Medina, José R., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Stress signaling mechanisms in yeast; Protein-protein interactions of stress receptors

Rodríguez Orengo, José F., Ph.D.
Professor Health and Nutrition
Biochemical pharmacology; Analytical biochemistry

Vivas Mejía, Pablo E., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Non-coding RNAs in ovarian and brain tumors; Nano liposomal formulations for drug delivery; Role of oncogenes in drug resistance.