Dr. Rick Firtel

Professor

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Biography

Rick Firtel is a distinguished professor emeritus in the Department of Research at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on the mechanisms of signal transduction pathways that control directional cell movement, particularly in the context of chemotaxis and morphogenesis in eukaryotic cells. Chemotaxis, a fundamental property of eukaryotic cells, plays critical roles in various biological processes including wound healing and leukocyte migration during inflammation. Firtel's laboratory has made significant progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and respond to chemical gradients, demonstrating the pivotal role of Ras in the signal transduction pathways that govern these processes. His work employs a range of genetic and biochemical approaches using Dictyostelium as a primary model organism. He has been recognized with numerous awards such as the American Cancer Society Faculty Research Award and the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship. Additionally, he has served in various leadership roles at UCSD including Director of the Center for Molecular Genetics and Associate Dean of Biological Sciences.

Research Interests

Experience

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

— Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Research in cellular signaling and chemotaxis.

Awards

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American Cancer Society Faculty Research Award

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International Union for Cancer Fellowship

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Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship

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John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).