Samuel Márquez

Samuel Márquez is a Professor in the Departments of Cell Biology and Otolaryngology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. He serves as Co-Director of Anatomy for the College of Medicine and Director of Anatomy for the School of Health Professions, while also overseeing the Anatomical Donor Program. His academic leadership extends to committee roles including the Admissions Committee, Dean’s Council, and Chair of the Committee on Academic & Professional Qualifications (CAPQ).

Dr. Márquez is a functional craniofacial comparative anatomist specializing in the evolution of the nose, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx, with direct clinical applications for sinusitis. His research employs gross dissection, morphometrics, and advanced CT/MR imaging to analyze living and extinct primates and mammals. Key research themes include:

• Evolutionary adaptations of upper respiratory structures in hominins, great apes, and terrestrial mammals
• Clinical correlations for sinusitis diagnostics and therapeutics
• Developmental patterns influencing otitis media susceptibility
• Paleoanthropological investigations of Neanderthal and Homo erectus specimens

Collaborations span globally with institutions like Johns Hopkins, Icahn School of Medicine, and international researchers in France, Switzerland, and Spain.

His publication record reflects interdisciplinary work across anatomy, evolution, and clinical medicine. Recent articles (2021-2022) focus on 3D sinus development, nasopharyngeal evolution, Pleistocene hominin morphology, and vascular anatomy for surgical planning. Earlier landmark studies established Neanderthal respiratory adaptations and Egyptian mummy sinus analysis. Research is funded by NSF and NIH grants.

Awards recognizing his contributions include:

• Special Partner in Medical Education Award (Mount Sinai, 2007)
• Best Paper Award in Anatomical Record (2008)
• Center of Anatomy and Functional Morphology’s Excellence in Medical Education Award
• Dedication Service and Mentorship Recognition Award (2019)

As an educator, Dr. Márquez has mentored over 215 medical students and 9 allied health students, resulting in conference presentations and publications. He pioneered Dyad Pedagogy in anatomy instruction and directs outreach programs for underrepresented students. He secured American Association for Anatomy grants (2010, 2012) for educational initiatives reaching high school to postgraduate learners. His laboratory provides hands-on anatomical training disrupted during COVID-19.