Cristin Gavin, Ph.D.Cristin Gavin, Ph.D., has been named assistant dean for Undergraduate Biomedical Programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
She will oversee curriculum, faculty development, academic advising, recruitment and undergraduate neuroscience research in the UAB School of Medicine. She will be responsible for the oversight and program management of the established undergraduate programs shared with the College of Arts and Sciences, such as neuroscience, genetics and genomic sciences, immunology, bioinformatics and cancer biology.
As an assistant professor in the departments of Neurobiology and Psychology, Gavin serves as co-director of both the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program and the UAB Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program. In 2016, she was the recipient of a National Academic Advising Association Award and, in 2019, was honored with Dean’s Award for Excellence for Teaching.
“I am excited to assume the role of assistant dean of Undergraduate Biomedical Programs in the School of Medicine,” Gavin said. “Our innovative, interdisciplinary programs draw exceptional students from all over the country. I look forward to working with the program directors and partners in the College of Arts and Sciences to further grow, strengthen and diversify our programs.”
Gavin received her doctorate in neuroscience from UAB while training remotely at The Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Florida. After completion of her doctoral training, Gavin returned to UAB for a postdoctoral fellowship. She joined the Department of Neurobiology faculty in 2016.
“Dr. Gavin is an experienced instructor who has the passion to engage the next generation of biomedical students,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the School of Medicine. “I have confidence that she will provide the guidance needed to increase the visibility of our biomedical programs.”