Department News | UC Davis Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy

Wendy Marie Campana appointed chair of Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy

The UC Davis School of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Marie Campana as chair of the Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy. A distinguished neuroscientist and educator, Campana brings a wealth of experience in academic leadership, groundbreaking research and a deep commitment to mentorship.

“Campana is a dynamic and collaborative leader with an impressive research portfolio," said Susan Murin, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine. "We are excited to see how the department will grow and thrive under her leadership."

Center for Neuroscience names Marie Burns new director

Vision neuroscientist Marie E. Burns has been appointed the sixth director of the Center for Neuroscience (CNS), effective July 1, 2025, after serving as interim director for the past year.

A professor with joint appointments in the departments of Ophthalmology and Vision Science and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy in the UC Davis School of Medicine, Burns brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to the role.

School of Medicine Research Image Contest Winner

Congratulations to Anna La Torre, professor of cell biology and human anatomy for winning this quarter’s School of Medicine Research Image Competition! The winning image, is a microscopy image depicting neurons differentiating from progenitor cells in a cell culture.

Congrats to Paul FitzGerald, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, has recently received 2024 Kaiser Foundation Hospitals Award for Excellence in Teaching.

• Congrats to Anna La Torre who is PI on a UC Davis Cultivating Team Science award that was just funded: "On-Sight (Optic Nerve Special Interest Group for Human Therapeutics): Developing Novel Models of Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration."
• Congratulations Anna La Torre, Ph.D., who was promoted to Full Professor.

Inaugural Center for Vision Sciences Legend Award

Prof. Paul FitzGerald (center) received the Inaugural Center for Vision Sciences Legend Award at the annual vision symposium on Jan. 5, 2024. The award was presented by Edward Pugh (left) who detailed the scientific, academic, and leadership accomplishments of Paul over his 40-year career at UC Davis. FitzGerald will join other emeritus faculty, like Ophthalmology’s John Keltner (right), in July when he steps down as chair and retires. We will miss you, Paul!