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    Department of Biomedical Sciences

    Introduction

    The Department of Biomedical Sciences at Penn Vet is recognized as one of the premier basic biomedical research departments in veterinary medicine. Our faculty are conducting innovative research into the mechanisms underlying diseases, which will lead to improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment of veterinary and human patients.

    About Biomedical Sciences

    Our research is well integrated with other basic, translational and clinical research efforts within:

    Our Mission

    To perform cutting-edge research to advance our knowledge of physiologic processes and the mechanistic basis of disease, to deliver an outstanding basic science curriculum to veterinary students and disseminate knowledge gained through our discoveries so they can be applied to improve health.

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    Areas of Research Focus

    • Normal & Malignant Stem Cell Niches 
    • Cell Fate Decisions
    • Cancer Biology/Oncology
    • Germ Cell Biology and Reproductive Medicine/Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine
    • Diseases of Aging, Metabolism and Mitochondria
    • Inflammatory and Fibrotic Diseases

    Major Approaches and Technologies

    • Animal models of disease
      Epigenetics
    • Gene regulation and gene therapy
    • Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry
      Biomechanics/Mechanotransduction
    • Preclinical and clinical molecular imaging
      Cell and protein based therapies
    • Omics (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabalomics, lipidomics)
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    Treating Male Infertility Right

    Biomedical Sciences Announcements

    Read the latest news about Biomedical Sciences and see what events are coming up.

    Learn more
    biomedical sciences event

    Learn More About Biomedical Sciences

    Dr Brinster and Dr Avadhani

    Biomedical Faculty

    Our department houses 17 tenure track, 1 research track faculty, 2 Academic Clinician track faculty, and 1 Associated faculty member from around the world.
    Pure Cancer Bio Murine

    Research

    The Department of Biomedical Sciences designates six separate sections of research, from the paleobiology of dinosaurs to the study of the role of stem cells in tumorigenesis.
    Res Biomed Tech

    Technology Platforms

    Our department has participated in the development of several groundbreaking technologies in biomedical science.

    Training in Biomedical Sciences

    The Department of Biomedical Sciences Faculty has a strong commitment for training and mentoring the future leaders in biological research, teaching, and industry.

    Student Research Day

    Graduate Programs

    Graduate students in the Department of Biomedical Sciences are selected from a competitive group of applicants that typically apply to the Biomedical Graduate Studies program at the University of Pennsylvania.
    Student with Dr Bianco in lab

    VMD-PhD Combined Degree Program

    The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine provides an outstanding environment for the training of future veterinary scientists in comparative medicine. The School is located in the heart of a large biomedical research campus that perfectly lends itself to combined degree studies.
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    Postdoctoral Research Opportunities

    Individuals interested in postdoctoral research opportunities are encouraged to email faculty members to inquire about research opportunities. The University of Pennsylvania also has an office of Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs that sponsors both career development and personal development programs.

    Connect With Us

    University of Pennsylvania
    School of Veterinary Medicine

    Department of Biomedical Sciences
    3800 Spruce Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

    Department Chair

    Christopher Lenger

    Christopher J. Lengner, PhD

    Harriet Ellison Woodward Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences

    Additional Titles: Chair, Department of Biomedical Sciences Member, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine Member, NIH P30 Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, Perelman School […]

    lengner@vet.upenn.edu

    Staff

    Executive Assistant
    Shivani Berry

    215-898-7790

    shivani2@vet.upenn.edu

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    Two people holding up an envelope in front of a projector screen

    SAVMA Student Teaching Awards 2025 

    On Friday, April 11, the Penn Vet community gathered to honor students, faculty, and hospital staff during the annual SAVMA Student Teaching Awards. Recipients are selected by the student body…

    a group of people posing for a photo in a classroom

    Penn Vet Launches New Course One Health and Climate Change

    Faculty In This Story The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) has launched a new course, One Health and Climate Change, directed by Penn Vet’s…

    Human Lungs

    Identifying a proliferating repairman for tissue in damaged lungs

    Penn Vet and Penn Medicine researchers found that endothelial cells lining the veins in lungs contribute to repair of blood vessels after lung injury.

    Contact the Biomedical Sciences Department

    Our department is supported by a core of dedicated professional and administrative staff. 

    Business Administrator:
    Tim Schweidel

    Phone: 215-898-8866

    Email: timsc@upenn.edu

    Grants Manager: 
Brianna Andes

    Phone: 215-898-4668

    Email: bandes@vet.upenn.edu

    Department of Biomedical Sciences
    216E Old Vet Quad
    3800 Spruce Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19104