Dr. Meenakshi Arora, associate professor of biomedical sciences with the College of Community Health Sciences, has been appointed chair of its Department of Translational Science and Medicine.
As chair, Arora will provide leadership for the department as it continues to develop educational and research opportunities that connect scientific discovery with clinical and healthcare applications.
Since joining The University of Alabama in 2021, Arora has contributed to the development of translational science and medicine programs across the University. She played a key role in establishing the Advanced Drug Delivery concentration of the Interdisciplinary Studies PhD program administered by the UA Graduate School, launching the Department of Translational Science and Medicine with CCHS and developing the curriculum for the Master of Science in Translational Science and Medicine degree program, which welcomed its first cohort of students in fall 2026.
Arora has also produced a number of peer-reviewed publications in leading journals including the iScience Journal and the Journal of Immunology. She received both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology in Roorkee, India.
Translational science bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, helping to turn scientific findings into real-world medical solutions. The 18-month master’s degree program is designed to educate students to move innovations from bench to bedside care, improving human health outcomes through applied research and collaboration.
Students complete a combination of coursework and practical training. The curriculum includes foundational classes in translational science, biostatistics and entrepreneurship, as well as elective courses in areas such as immunology, pharmacology and drug discovery. Students also participate in industry internships, work with research partners and complete a culminating project focused on addressing real-world challenges.