Department of Basic Sciences

Founded in 2020, the department is a fast-growing and diverse community of over thirty faculty members, professional researchers, administrative personnel and community partners.

Faculty members have terminal degrees in the fields of genetics, microbiology/immunology, pharmacology, informatics/data sciences, epidemiology/public health, physiology, biochemistry, or related biomedical sciences areas. MDs with advanced training and research in their specialty area of basic sciences are welcome to teach in the department. Appointment paths in the department of Basic Sciences are distinguished by specific skills and qualifications, research expertise, educational responsibilities and clinical or other service.

The department will continue to provide the opportunities, resources support, collaborative and inclusive research environment, mentorship and education within the College of Medicine as well as access to faculty and students from all schools within Roseman University.

Our Leadership

Lina Zourna-Hargaden, MD, PhD, MPH, Chair Learn More About Dr. Hargaden

Employment Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career within the Department of Basic Sciences at RUCOM.

Open Positions:

Our Faculty

Alice Akunyili, MD

Assistant Dean for Foundational Educator Development , Associate Professor
  • College of Medicine

Roger Dilts, Jr., PhD

Professor of Basic Sciences
  • College of Medicine

Jamie Fairclough, PhD, MPH, MS

Associate Dean for Research Assessment & Evaluation, Professor
  • College of Medicine

Tanvirul Hye, PhD

Associate Professor of Basic Sciences
  • College of Medicine

Dimitrios Ioannou, PhD

Assistant Professor of Basic Sciences
  • College of Medicine

Rebecca “Becky” Jayakumar, PharmD, BCIDP, BCPA

Senior Director of Educator Academy for Faculty Affairs & Learning Innovation; Associate Professor, Department of Basic Sciences and Adjunct Faculty, College of Pharmacy
  • College of Medicine

Kanee Lerwill, MD

Assistant Professor, Basic Sciences/ Director of Academic and Career Advising
  • College of Medicine

Ranjana Mitra, PhD

Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences
  • College of Medicine
  • Research

Andria Peterson, PharmD

Chair of the Department of Bioethics, Humanism, and Policy, EMPOWERED Executive Director
  • College of Medicine

Helen Tempest, PhD

Associate Dean for Foundational Education, Professor
  • College of Medicine