In Memoriam: Dr. Michael R. Garrett
The Medical Center extends its sympathy to the family of a former faculty member in appreciation for the loved one’s contributions to the academic health sciences center.
Dr. Michael R. Garrett
Dr. Michael Richard Garrett, professor and chair of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, died March 7, 2026. He was 54.
Garrett was a respected scientist, mentor and academic leader whose work helped strengthen biomedical research at UMMC and advanced understanding of the genetics of complex disease.
Born Aug. 20, 1971, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Garrett earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside. After graduating, he moved to Bowling Green, Ohio, where he studied the genetics of hypertension. He went on to earn an MBA from Bowling Green State University and a PhD in biomedical sciences from the University of Toledo College of Medicine.
Later, he moved to Pewaukee, Wisconsin, continuing his research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
In 2010, Garrett joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center as founding director of the Molecular and Genomics Core Facility and associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology, with joint appointments in medicine (nephrology) and pediatrics (genetics).
At UMMC, Garrett became a key figure in expanding the Medical Center’s research enterprise. A pioneering investigator and collaborative leader, his research focused on the genetics of complex diseases, including hypertension, kidney disease and congenital birth defects.
His enduring legacy will be remembered by colleagues and will continue to shape future generations of researchers.
“Dr. Garrett was a prolific researcher and a tireless advocate for building research infrastructure at UMMC. In the past few years as chair of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, he was able to stabilize the department in a time of great change, provide strategic direction for the department’s future, and support the career development of dozens of faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Lee Bidwell, associate vice chancellor for research. “But most importantly to me and so many others here at UMMC, Mike was a friend, and he will be sorely missed.”
Over the course of his career, Garrett secured more than $25 million in research funding, most as principal investigator, and published more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles along with several book chapters. He served on editorial boards and as a reviewer for numerous scientific journals and participated in National Institutes of Health study sections for grant review.
Garrett also served as director of the Molecular Center of Health and Disease, a program supported by an $11.5 million Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence grant from the National Institutes of Health, and as director of Research Cores and Infrastructure in the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research.
In recognition of his research achievements, UMMC honored Garrett with three Excellence in Research medals – silver in 2010, gold in 2012 and platinum in 2020, placing him among a small group of faculty to receive the institution’s highest research distinction.
Garrett became a tenured professor and later chair of the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, where he continued to advance collaborative research and mentor faculty, trainees and students. Colleagues remember him as an innovative scientist, dedicated mentor and supportive collaborator who impacted countless lives through both his research and leadership.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, followed by a "Celebration of Life" service, from 11 a.m. to noon at Pinelake Church – Madison Campus, 223 Old Jackson Rd, Madison, MS.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Michael Garrett to Children’s of Mississippi.
The Medical Center extends its condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the many students and collaborators whose lives he influenced.