Gerald B. Grunwald

Gerald B. Grunwald serves as Dean of the Jefferson College of Life Sciences and Dean of the Jefferson Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University, while also holding the dual roles of Chair of the Department of Biological & Chemical Sciences and Professor in the Department of Pathology, Anatomy & Cell Biology.

His academic foundation includes:

• PhD in Zoology (Developmental Biology), University of Wisconsin-Madison (1981)
• MS in Zoology (Developmental Biology), University of Wisconsin-Madison (1978)
• BA (cum laude) in Biological Sciences, Cornell University (1976)

Dr. Grunwald's research program focuses on developmental biology and neuroscience with specialization in ocular development and disease mechanisms. His laboratory investigates cadherin cell adhesion molecules using cell biological, immunological, biochemical, and molecular genetic approaches to understand their roles in neural retina, retinal pigment epithelium, and lens development. Current work examines genetic/epigenetic regulation of cadherin expression, protein kinase-mediated modifications, metalloprotease activity, and growth factor interactions in proliferative diseases like retinoblastoma and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

His scientific recognition spans research and teaching excellence:

• NIH National Research Service Award (1981-1984) and Senior Staff Fellowship (1984-1985)
• Basil O'Connor Scholar Research Award from March of Dimes (1986-1988)
• Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching (1992)
• Burroughs Wellcome Visiting Professorship (1996) and Gordon Conference leadership (2003-2005)
• Multiple Jefferson University teaching awards including Teacher of the Year (2008)

As a research mentor, he has sponsored NIH F32 postdoctoral fellows including Laura Lagunowich, Celeste Ferreira, Lilley Leong, and Markus Dey. His continuously funded research portfolio includes 14 NIH R01 grants from the National Eye Institute totaling over $2.8 million in direct costs since 1981, plus NSF and March of Dimes awards. Administrative leadership includes directing the Developmental Biology Graduate Program (1994-2005) and MS Program in Cell and Developmental Biology (1998-present), alongside chairing university committees for biosafety, conflict of interest, and strategic planning.

His laboratory maintains active research on cadherin-mediated adhesion mechanisms in ocular development and disease pathogenesis, utilizing advanced molecular and cellular techniques to investigate therapeutic targets for retinal disorders.