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In Memoriam: Dr. Michael Garrett

March 9, 2026

TO:             UMMC Faculty, Staff and Students

FROM:        Dr. LouAnn Woodward
                  Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs
                  Dean, School of Medicine

SUBJECT:   In Memoriam: Dr. Michael Garrett


It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the untimely death of Dr. Michael Garrett, a tenured professor and chair of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, with secondary appointments in the Department of Medicine and Department of Pediatrics.  

Michael Garrett 2022Dr. Garrett was a respected scientist, educator and leader whose contributions significantly advanced biomedical research and academic excellence at UMMC. He was the founding director of the UMMC Molecular and Genomics Core Facility, established in 2010 when he joined the faculty as an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology. 

An accomplished researcher, Dr. Garrett’s work focused on the genetics of complex diseases, including hypertension, kidney disease and congenital birth defects. Over the course of his career, he secured more than $25 million in research funding, published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and contributed to numerous academic journals as an editorial board member and peer reviewer. In recognition of his achievements, UMMC honored him with three Excellence in Research medals, including the prestigious platinum award in 2020. 

A native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Dr. Garrett earned a PhD in Molecular Basis of Disease from the University of Toledo College of Medicine, following bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside, and an MBA from Bowling Green State University. 

Dr. Garrett’s dedication to science leaves a lasting impact on our institution and the many colleagues and students who worked with him. 

This week, I will announce interim leadership for the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. 

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We will post the arrangements to the front page of the intranet when available.