Information for Students Considering Graduate School

The research training opportunities in the Department of Biological Sciences are diverse and span the range of biological disciplines from ecosystem biology through structural studies of biomolecules.

To train students in these varied disciplines, we offer PhD tracks in Adaptable Biology Curriculum, Ecology & Evolution, Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology and Neurobiology. These tracks emphasize original research and prepare students for careers in academic, professional, governmental, and industrial settings. Please note that we typically do not admit M.S. students into the department. Rare exceptions are sometimes made with the support of individual faculty members, mostly for students applying to the E&E track.

Adaptable Biology Curriculum Heading link

Students interested in the Adaptable Biology Curriculum (ABC) track are accepted into a common program and identify a thesis advisor after doing three short research rotations. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the ongoing research in affiliated labs and contact those faculty members that might serve as potential advisors.

Affiliated faculty: Chang, Chuang, Drew, Escalante, Gao, Gong, Gonzalez-Meler, Hampton-Marcell, Jeffery, Keyhani, Park, Polikanov, Poretsky, Richmond, Salles, Shingleton, Stabb, Stone, Walker, Warpeha, Zak

Ecology and Evolution Heading link

Students interested in the Ecology & Evolution (E&E) track are accepted with a faculty member’s support and commitment to serve as a thesis advisor. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the ongoing research in the Ecology and Evolution Research Group and contact those faculty members that might serve as potential advisors.

Affiliated faculty: Escalante, Gonzalez-Meler, Hampton-Marcell, Igic, Keyhani, Mason-Gamer, Minor, Nunez-Mir, Poretsky, Salles, Shingleton, Walker, Warpeha

Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology Heading link

Students interested in the Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology (MCDB) track are accepted into a common program and identify a thesis advisor after doing three short research rotation projects in laboratories in the Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology Research Group.

Affiliated Faculty: Alfonso, Chang Chuang, Drew, Dubreuil, Gao, Hampton-Marcell, Keyhani, Lynch, Morrison, Orenic, Polikanov, Shingleton, Stabb, Stone, Walker, Warpeha

Neurobiology Heading link

Students interested in the Neurobiology (N) track are accepted into a common program and identify a thesis advisor after doing three short research rotation projects in laboratories in the Neurobiology Research Group.

Affiliated Faculty: Alfonso, Chang Chuang, Dubreuil, Gao, Gong, Park, Richmond, Salles, Zak