Meharry Medical College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Pamela M. Martin as the new Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, effective July 1, 2024.
Dr. Martin is a highly accomplished and respected biochemist and molecular biologist, specializing in eye and cardiovascular research. She previously served as a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ophthalmology, and Graduate Studies at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, where she rose from the ranks of graduate student to hold a tenured Professor faculty position since 2018.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Pamela Martin to Meharry Medical College,” said Dr. Merry L. Lindsey, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Meharry Medical College. “Her exceptional research expertise, strong leadership skills, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists make her the ideal candidate to lead our Department of Biomedical Sciences. We look forward to the innovative leadership skills she brings to our institution.”
The Department of Biomedical Sciences was established July 1, 2023, and Dr. Amos Sakwe, tenured Professor in the School of Graduate Studies, served as interim chair while recruitment was underway. The Department is home to the Masters in Health Sciences Program and the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences.
With over 20 years of experience in academic research and education, Dr. Martin has a distinguished research career focusing on the role of sigma receptor ligands in preventing retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss. She has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and has served on numerous NIH study sections and peer review panels.
Dr. Martin brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this role. She has an impressive academic background, including a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Medical College of Georgia. She also held a UNCF-Merck Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology and Ophthalmology, where she worked in conjunction with the Ophthalmology Research Division at Merck and Co., Inc.
Throughout her career, Dr. Martin has demonstrated a strong commitment to research and innovation. Her work has been recognized and published in numerous scientific publications. She has also been actively involved in various conferences and research days, further showcasing her dedication to the field of Biomedical Sciences.
“I am honored to join the esteemed faculty at Meharry Medical College and lead the Department of Biomedical Sciences,” said Dr. Martin. “Meharry’s longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences, as well as its strong track record of training minority healthcare professionals, aligns perfectly with my values and aspirations. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to advance cutting-edge research and provide exceptional educational experiences for our students.”
Dr. Martin received her Ph.D. in Cellular Biology and Anatomy from the Medical College of Georgia and completed postdoctoral fellowships at the Medical College of Georgia and Merck and Co., Inc. She is a member of several professional societies, including the American Heart Association, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the International Society for Eye Research, and the Society for Redox Biology and Medicine.
About Meharry Medical College:
Meharry Medical College, founded in 1876, is the nation’s largest private, independent historically Black academic health sciences center dedicated to educating minority and other health professionals. True to its mission, Meharry provides quality health services and conducts research that fosters the elimination of health disparities. For more information, visit https://meharrysogs.org/.
