A History of Excellence

Established as the Anatomy Department in 1868, when The University of Iowa College of Medicine was first approved by the trustees, the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology has experienced extensive growth over its history. Originally, it had one lecture hall that could accommodate 100 students, plus one room dedicated to microscopic anatomy and another to dissection. Since that time the department has expanded and moved several times. In 1997, it was given its current name, which better reflects its mission and research.

Who We Are

Education

Research

Deeded Body Program

Anatomy and Cell Biology Seminars

ACB Seminar Series - Joy James & Dr. Emma Thornell promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Joy James & Dr. Emma Thornell

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Joy James, a Cell and Developmental Biology Student in the Stephens Lab, will present a seminar titled “Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Mediate Early Β-cell Dysfunction In Type 1 Diabetes."

Dr. Emma Thornell, a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, will present a seminar titled “Sustainable Science: Integrating Sustainability and Innovation in Biomedical Research."

Biology Seminar/Barbara Stay Alumnus Seminar featuring UI Alumnus Atulya Iyengar promotional image

Biology Seminar/Barbara Stay Alumnus Seminar featuring UI Alumnus Atulya Iyengar

Friday, February 6, 2026 3:30pm
Biology Building East
The Department of Biology’s inaugural Barbara Stay Alumnus Seminar will be held on Friday, February 6, featuring UI alumnus Atulya Iyengar, as the speaker. His seminar will be held at 3:30pm in 101 BBE.
ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Pierre Coulombe promotional image

ACB Seminar Series - Dr. Pierre Coulombe

Wednesday, February 11, 2026 9:30am to 10:30am
Bowen Science Building

Dr. Pierre Coulombe, Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Michigan, will present a seminar titled "Sequential Expression of Keratins Regulate Progenitor and Differentiating Keratinocytes in Healthy and Diseased Skin."

Samantha Wuebker Thesis Defense promotional image

Samantha Wuebker Thesis Defense

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Bowen Science Building

Samantha Wuebker, a Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Student from Eric Van Otterloo's lab will defend her thesis titled "The Role of MEMO1 During Enamel Biomineralization."