Joseph X. DiMario, PhD

Dean, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Interim Vice President for Research
Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

joseph.dimario@rosalindfranklin.edu

Dr. Joseph X. DiMario received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Marquette University in 1982, followed by his Master of Science degree from Marquette University in 1985. He then obtained his PhD from the University of California at Berkeley in 1989. His doctoral research focused on the cellular mechanisms that regulate the regenerative capacities of skeletal muscle in normal and dystrophic states. Subsequently, he was a postdoctoral fellow and research associate at Stanford University Medical Center from 1989 to 1995. His research there focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle fiber type development.

Dr. DiMario joined the faculty of the Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 1995 and became a member of the tenured faculty in 2003. He was promoted to full professor in 2007. Dr. DiMario assumed responsibilities as the Dean of the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies in 2011.

Research in Dr. DiMario’s laboratory addresses basic questions in developmental biology related to the cellular and molecular mechanisms that generate diverse cell types. The primary model system utilized in the research is vertebrate skeletal muscle development. His research has consistently been funded by private and federal granting agencies including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. DiMario has served on numerous research review panels for the National Science Foundation, USDA and NIH as both an ad hoc and standing member. He is a member of the Society for Developmental Biology, American Society for Cell Biology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Sigma Xi. Dr. DiMario has attended to numerous service commitments with the University, including Chair of the University Credentials and Tenure Committee, Speaker of the Academic Assembly, and Deputy Principal Senator.

In addition to contributing to several courses as a faculty member, Dr. DiMario is currently course director for "Cellular and Molecular Developmental Biology", Molecular Cell Biology I", "Ethics and Regulatory Issues in Biomedical Research", and Special Topics in Developmental Biology” within the Graduate School.