As the chairperson of the Department of Molecular, Cellular
& Craniofacial Biology, I am delighted to welcome you to our
department where the discovery of new knowledge by the
performance of scientific research is our primary mission. In
1997 research awards in the department totaled less than
$300,000. During 2003 direct costs in the department,
representing awarded research dollars exceeded $3.5 million.
The department thus presents a recognizable research profile
and identity, that makes a clear and tangible contribution to the
strategic missions of both the School of Dentistry and the
University of Louisville. The department is fiscally and
academically sound, in possession of excellent research
facilities, and staffed by able and creative research scientists.
Additional expansion of research facilities and the addition of
new research faculty are envisioned for 2004 and beyond.


    I hope you take a few moments and browse individual faculty
profiles in our department. Presented there are sketches of
some of the exciting research activities being pursued by my
fellow inmates and the students and postdoctoral fellows
receiving training in their laboratories. In addition, I encourage
you to link to other departments and centers here at the
University of Louisville and note the wide variety of fascinating
scholarly areas being pursued by our faculty and students.