Division Director:  Michael J. Soares, PhD

Distinguished Professor

B.A., California St. U.-Chico
Ph.D., Univ. of Hawaii-Honolulu

The  Division of Molecular Pathobiology consists of faculty with academic appointments in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Faculty conduct basic and translational research with the goal of understanding the molecular basis of diseases. Scientific discoveries have direct impacts on our understanding of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers, hematological/thrombotic disorders, and developmental and reproductive diseases. Research laboratories are located at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Research Institute, and the Stower’s Medical Research Institute, depending on faculty’s primary appointment.

The Division of Molecular Pathobiology is experiencing significant growth in the following areas:

• External Funding - in 2004, $912,000 (NIH); in 2009, $3.5 million (NIH) and $0.7 million (private); 2016 NIH funding exceeded $5.3 million; 2020 NIH funding exceeded $11 million.
• Basic Science Research Faculty - in 2004, 3 faculty (2 at Stowers); in 2016, 17 faculty (4 at Stowers); in 2021, 29 faculty (3-Stowers; 4-Children's Mercy Hospital (CMH); 2-KC VA Hospital; 1-Baylor; and 1-Johnson County Community College).
• Graduate Students - in 2004, 1 student; in 2016, 21 students (18 on campus and 3 at Stowers); in 2021 14 students: (11 on campus, 2 at Stowers and 1 at CMH).
• Laboratory Space (KUMC) - in 2004, 900 sq. ft.; in 2009, 12,000 sq. ft.; in 2013, 17237 sq. ft.; in 2020, 18,437 sq. ft.

Our laboratories currently employ over 75 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral students and staff and the department provides two education programs, both Graduate (Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy) and Postdoctorate. The programs emphasize comprehensive training and experimental laboratory investigation, providing a solid foundation towards understanding the molecular basis of disease and fundamental mechanisms of cell growth and differentiation.

Division faculty associated with the Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences in collaboration with the Peter T. Bohan Fund participate in the Seminars in Development and Pathogenesis of Disease. These events annually provide an average of 25 nationally-recognized experts in basic science research to KU Medical Center and local community, emphasizing the Division's commitment to excellence in learning to all University strata.

Researchers

We invite you to explore our laboratory websites for more detailed information about efforts and accomplishments within our department. View all laboratories.