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Oh, the places you will go with a PhD in biology!

by Maitreyi Das

How can we empower students and postdocs to cope with the scarcity of academic jobs by embarking on other careers where their skills are needed?

When I first came to the United States in 2006 as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Miami, I was struck by how many of my colleagues had been working as postdocs for years. Being somewhat naïve, I had assumed that a typical postdoc experience lasts for about three to four years, after which one would transition to a faculty position or move to industry. Unfortunately, in reality things are a lot different. For most postdocs, a faculty position is a distant dream. There are very few jobs and too many postdocs. This has led some to suggest that the postdoctoral system is a pyramid scheme. 1 Lab heads recruit postdocs to do research, publish papers, and help get funding. But there aren’t nearly enough faculty opportunities for the number of postdocs. So how should we address this problem? Should we stop recruiting postdocs? Or worse, not train as many graduate students? While I have heard that argument in some circles, I do not agree with it. In our current environment, where science is greeted with much skepticism, we need more people trained in the scientific method and possessing scientific expertise.

Not Enough Jobs?

In the United States, about 12,500 students obtained a PhD degree in 2014. 2 While in the 1970s more than 50% of PhDs in biology successfully transitioned to a faculty position, this number currently is less than 15%. Just because we are graduating more PhD students each year does not mean that universities will grow their departments and faculty accordingly. Outside of jobs in academia, trainees can consider working in industry. But even here, there aren’t enough jobs for the majority of PhD graduates.

Most students who obtain a PhD degree do not follow a traditional career path in academia. Given the broad range of skills doctoral students acquire during their training, this should come as no surprise. Our students are not trained just to design experiments and test hypotheses; they are trained in skills that are very easily transferred to other fields of work. The way I describe it, a graduate student practices and perfects over five to six years what students pursuing a master of business administration degree learn in only about 18 months. A graduate student is trained to think critically, troubleshoot effectively, manage projects, communicate complex information, train peers and subordinates, work in teams, gather new information, network, and the list goes on. Most importantly, graduate students learn how to learn . This large repertoire of skills is valuable to most industries, and there is no reason why students should limit themselves to academia or research industry positions after graduation.

Changing the Culture

I have heard PIs lament that their trainees are not pursuing careers in academia. Some believe that if you do a PhD and pursue a career outside academia, you are wasting your training. This is a culture that is frankly not helpful to either the trainees or society in general. Insisting that trainees pursue a career in academia contributes to a society where scientists continue to live in their bubbles and fail to interact with the public at large. Some of this skepticism about careers outside academia is understandable. Most PIs are not well informed about such careers. We are not equipped to provide our trainees with useful career advice in other fields. Since academia is all we know, that is what we insist on and push for. Most graduate training programs do not emphasize formally training their students for the nonacademic careers on which most STEM PhD graduates will embark. This dissonance creates ill-prepared students who do not consider nonacademic careers.

An argument against obtaining a PhD to pursue a career outside academia is that a doctoral degree takes longer than other degrees. Thus, PhD graduates starting out in nonacademic careers fall behind in pay in comparison with non-PhD graduates in the same age group. While this may be true in some cases, in several jobs a PhD degree is very valuable and enhances the ability of the individual to excel. For example, science communication, scientific writing, and research development are careers where a PhD degree provides an invaluable advantage. One must also take into consideration the cost of the degree. Most PhD programs pay a stipend and students pay nearly nothing out of pocket for tuition and fees. Almost all other terminal degrees are expensive and often result in significant student debt. A PhD degree is often the only terminal degree that students from humble means can afford.

Professional Development for Graduate Students

We at the Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are not immune to these challenges. To improve our students’ preparedness for entering the workforce, we organized a seminar series that featured speakers with PhDs working in diverse fields. This seminar series was funded by the National Science Foundation supplement “Improving Graduate Student Preparedness for Entering the Workforce, Opportunities for Supplemental Support.” We invited speakers with expertise in patent law, scientific writing and editing, start-ups and entrepreneurship, business consulting, science policy, government sector, and pharmaceutical industry. The seminar presentations were designed to introduce students to different careers and familiarize the students with the requirements for each career. For longer-lasting impact, the seminar speakers discussed with departmental faculty how to best prepare our graduate students for a career like theirs. Apart from the valuable information that the students learned, they also got an opportunity to network with the speakers. In some cases, the speakers expressed an interest in extending internships for students interested in their respective careers.

University career services should be more active in helping trainees navigate different career options. We also need to redesign the PhD curriculum to meet the careers goals of the degree recipients. It may be worthwhile to train students in formal project management courses, scientific writing, or other relevant courses. With a changing career landscape for PhD graduates, it is indeed time to modernize the curriculum and optimize it to the students’ needs.

In the past few years, several universities have developed strategies to improve career development for trainees. In addition to the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health has also funded several initiatives to promote career development (www.nigms.nih.gov/training/instpredoc/Pages/car-cur-dev.aspx). There is clearly a change in the culture, and students should feel more empowered now to venture into diverse careers after graduation.

1 Lowe D (January 24, 2013). Too many scientists: A “pyramid scheme.” Science Translational Medicine .

2 Offord C (January 1, 2017). Addressing biomedical science’s PhD problem. The Scientist.

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can bio student do phd

Ph.D. Program

The training for a Ph.D. in Biology is focused on helping students achieve their goals of being a successful research scientist and teacher, at the highest level. Students work closely with an established advisor and meet regularly with a committee of faculty members to facilitate their progress. The Biology Ph.D. program is part of the larger Biosciences community at Stanford, which includes doctorate programs in the basic science departments at Stanford Medical School. 

There are two tracks within the Biology Ph.D. program:

  • Cell, Molecular and Organismal Biology
  • Ecology and Evolution

(Previously a part of the Department of Biology Hopkins Marine Station is now a part of the Oceans Department within  Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability )

All  tracks are focused on excellence in research and teaching in their respective areas; where there are differences between the tracks, they are indicated in the links below. 

Requirements & Forms

Dissertation defense, cellular and molecular biology training program, stanford biology ph.d. preview program, career development resources.

Secondary Menu

Doctoral degree requirements, general philosophy of the ph.d.  program.

Biology is the most diverse of all the disciplines in the natural sciences. Consequently, the allied fields to which the various subdisciplines in Biology share natural affinities differ. For example, molecular biology makes connections with physical chemistry, biomechanics with engineering and physics, and ecology and evolutionary biology with statistics, mathematics, geology, and atmospheric sciences. The goal of the Biology Doctoral Program is to train young scientists who:

  • excel at research and teaching in their own subdisciplines;
  • demonstrate competence in fields allied to their subdisciplines; and
  • display a breadth of knowledge in Biology as a whole. 

Trajectory through the program

  • At the beginning of your Ph.D.: you will be assigned a temporary advisor (typically the sponsor of your admission).
  • Before registering for the first semester: discuss with your advisor which courses you should take. As a first-year student, you are encouraged to interact with other faculty in your research area to ask them about courses you should take before the preliminary exam—these faculty may very well become members of your Ph.D. committee.

The philosophy of the department is that you need not spend a great deal of time in coursework.  You should take only the courses that fill gaps in areas that will be needed in your research, and spend most of your time starting your research.

  • During the first three semesters: take up to three tutorials with different faculty members in the department. The tutorial requirement is waived as soon as you declare an advisor. Tutorials may involve laboratory work, directed reading in the primary literature, greenhouse or field studies, mathematical or computer modeling, or any other activity that would assist you in identifying a suitable dissertation topic. Other goals of the tutorials are to expose students to the diversity of faculty research interests in their specialty and to help them to identify an appropriate advisor and dissertation committee. 
  • By the end of the 3 rd semester, you must choose an advisor and the advisor must convene an initial meeting of the dissertation committee. Dissertation committees will consist of at least four faculty members, one of which will represent your minor (see below). The goals of the initial meeting are to assess the novelty and feasibility of your proposed dissertation topic, to ascertain whether you need to take any additional courses to demonstrate preparedness for the preliminary exam, and to decide the format of the written dissertation proposal (see below).  If you fail to meet with your committee before the end of the 3rd semester, the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) will notify you in writing, and will discuss with you and your advisor ways to resolve any difficulties. 
  • Preferably by the end of the 4 th semester, but certainly by the end of the 6 th semester, you must pass an oral preliminary examination to establish candidacy for the Ph.D. One week prior to the exam, you must present a written essay describing your proposed dissertation research to your committee. The exam itself will cover the specific research areas addressed in your proposal, but will also test your depth of knowledge in your area of specialty and your breadth of knowledge in Biology as a whole.
  • When the dissertation research is completed, you will present the written dissertation to your committee two weeks prior to the dissertation defense (the dissertation also has to be submitted to the Grad School two weeks before the defense). You are also required to present your results in a seminar. You are expected to complete the degree requirements as soon as possible, but students making progress toward their degree will be considered to be in good standing through the 12 th semester. 

You are required to declare a minor at the time of the initial meeting with your dissertation committee. At least one member of the dissertation committee must represent the minor field, and will be charged with assessing your knowledge in the minor during the preliminary exam.  The goal of the minor is to ensure that you acquire a breadth of knowledge beyond your immediate specialty, either in a different area of Biology or in an allied field. Dissertation committees have the freedom to determine the specific nature of the minor, to tailor it to your needs, but minors are subject to approval by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Affairs Committee.

The minor may:

  • lie entirely outside Biology (e.g., Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, Geology);
  • require the student to acquire knowledge about a group of organisms that differs from those on which the student’s dissertation research focuses; or
  • represent a biological subdiscipline that is distinct from the student’s own subdiscipline.  For example, a student whose advisor is in the Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology sub-department might choose Developmental, Cellular, and Molecular Biology (DCMB) as a minor, with appropriate representation by a DCMB faculty member on the preliminary exam and dissertation committees. A student in ecology might choose evolutionary biology as a minor.

Scholarly productivity

To become recognized as independent scientists and to have an impact on their fields, graduate students must communicate their findings to their colleagues. Therefore, all students are strongly encouraged to begin submitting the results of their research to refereed journals as soon as possible (ideally well before the dissertation is completed). In order to give their committee members an opportunity to comment on them, manuscripts that are intended to be included in the dissertation will be given to all committee members at least two weeks prior to submission. You should submit copies of papers accepted for publication to the Director of Graduate Studies, to be included your file. 

You will be required to serve as a teaching assistant for two semesters. Teaching is not simply a mechanism to provide financial support to graduate students. Rather, it is an integral part of your professional development as both an educator and a researcher.

Annual evaluation of student progress

  • After your 1 st year you will meet with your committee annually.
  • In your 2 nd year, your first committee meeting serves as the annual committee meeting.
  • In your 3 rd year, your Preliminary Exam will serve this purpose if you take it in the Fall.

You MUST have an annual progress meeting with your committee each Fall, UNLESS:

  • you are in your 1 st or 2 nd year;
  • you are in your 3 rd year and are taking your prelim this Fall (not Spring, and not in your 2 nd year); or
  • you are defending your dissertation this year.
  • Prior to November 15, you are expected to present to your committee a written report on the progress made over the previous year, and on any difficulties encountered, as well as a plan for completing the dissertation.
  • Before the end of the final exam period in December, your advisor will then convene a meeting of the committee to discuss the progress report with you.
  • By January 1, your advisor must send a letter to the Director of Graduate Studies summarizing this discussion, providing the committee’s evaluation of your progress, and recommending whether you should receive continued financial support from the department. The progress report you submitted to your committee should be attached to this letter. All faculty members not on your committee will also be able to submit to the Director of Graduate Studies any written commentary on the student’s performance (e.g., as a student or teaching assistant in a course taught by that faculty member).  
  • After January 1, the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Graduate Affairs Committee as needed, will review the written materials to determine whether you shall be granted departmental support for the following academic year. You will receive a letter from the DGS if any remedial measures need to be taken. Your written progress report, your advisor’s letter to the DGS, any letters from faculty not on your committee, and any letters from the DGS will be placed in your folder as a record of your annual progress and evaluation. 

Committee Meetings, Exams, and Defenses during Summer

Scheduling committee meetings, preliminary exams, and dissertation defenses during the summer is strongly discouraged, because faculty members typically have research or other travel plans that must take precedence during this time. Summer meetings, exams, and defenses can only be scheduled by agreement of all members of the committee. In accordance with Graduate School regulations, such meetings can only be held while the summer semester is actually in session, and the student must be registered for the summer semester.

Note: A downloadable version of the information above is available:

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PhD in Biology

PhD candidate standing in tea field

The PhD program in Biology is a research-intensive program that also has a strong focus on teaching, designed to produce top scientists and educators with a broad base of knowledge to tackle the most important biological problems of today. This is accomplished through research training, graduate-level courses, seminars, and teaching experience. Entering students are assigned an advisory committee of three faculty members who work with the student to plan a suitable program based on the student's experience and interests.

PhD students in Biology receive full tuition support for six years, a competitive stipend, health coverage, and receive extensive training in pedagogy, outreach, and communication that prepares them for careers in academia, biotechnology, education, and policy. Students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Most students complete the requirement for teaching experience in the first year by assisting in the introductory undergraduate biology courses for two semesters.

During the first year, students become familiar with research opportunities in the department by doing short research rotations with various faculty members. This experience in expected to lead to the selection of a research focus for the PhD thesis, and it also sets the stage for cross-disciplinary approaches to the thesis topic that is pursued.

First- and second-year students usually take some graduate courses that are selected in consultation with the advisory committee, in addition to one required course: either Biology 243: Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology; Biology 244: Topics in Evolutionary Ecology; or Biology 246: Topics in Physiology and Animal Behavior.

The department faculty are educators as well as researchers, and the graduate students benefit from this expertise. Graduate students serving as teaching assistants have the opportunity to take a course on teaching and pedagogy to improve their skills, or to become involved with upper level courses in their area of expertise. In addition, we offer a one-month summer program for PhD students interested in contributing to course design and honing their teaching skills via GIFT, the Graduate Institute For Teaching .

PhD student working in lab

Research Concentrations

Browse the six concentration areas below for recommended programs of study and relevant courses:

  • Biology Education Research
  • Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
  • Global Change Biology
  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Physiology, Neurobiology and Animal Behavior

Graduate credit for a course requires a grade of B- (B minus) or better. A list of biology department undergraduate and graduate courses can be found by selecting the Courses button from the top bar.

Throughout the year, graduate students benefit from a variety of seminars on current research that are presented by faculty, fellow graduate students, and invited speakers.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology

The PhD in Biology is a research degree requiring graduate-level coursework, completion of a dissertation, and two semesters of participation in teaching (usually as a teaching fellow in laboratory or discussion sections of lecture courses led by Biology faculty). For most students, obtaining this degree typically involves five or more years of full-time study.

A summary of Biology PhD student expectations by year can be found here . Full details can be found in the Graduate Program Guide .

The Biology Department guarantees support for five years for all PhD students, contingent on satisfactory performance in the program.

How to Apply    Frequently Asked Questions

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate academic mastery in one of three areas of Biology: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior & Marine Biology; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

2. Attain research expertise , including grant writing experience, and complete original research that advances a specific field of study within one of three broad subject areas represented in the department: Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

3. Attain teaching experience and expertise in one of three broad areas of Biology: Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.

4. Attain the skills and qualifications needed for employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to the life sciences.

Coursework Requirements

Students must complete 64 credits with a minimum grade point average of 3.0; at least 32 of these credits must be accrued from lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. Students with prior graduate work may be able to transfer course credits.  See the  Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Transfer of Credits policy  for more details. 

  • 2 semesters of Progress in Research Seminars (2 credits each):

Cell & Molecular Biology:  BI 583 & BI 584 (CM section)

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology:  BI 579 & BI 580

Neurobiology:   BI 583 & BI 584 (NEURO section)

  • 1 semester grant-writing course (2 credits):

Cell & Molecular Biology:  BI 581

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology: BI 671

Neurobiology: BI 581

  • 1 semester pedagogy course (1 credit): All Biology PhD students take  BI 697
  • 1 quantitative course (3–4 credits): from a list of recommended courses .
  • Additional courses vary by specific track below:

Cell & Molecular Biology

1. GRS BI 791/GRS BI 792 Graduate Rotation Credits (2 credits each/4 credits total)

2. GRS BI 753 Advanced Molecular Biology  (4 credits)

3. GRS MB 721 Graduate Biochemistry  (4 credits)

4. GRS BI 735 Advanced Cell Biology  (4 credits)

5. Two electives (8 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

6. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology

1. Six electives  (24 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

2. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology PhD candidate coursework is highly variable. Students, in consultation with advisors, develop a plan of coursework and research. Students are required to take a minimum of 32 credits of coursework. The remainder of the credits should be research.

Neurobiology

2. GRS BI 755 Cellular and Systems Neuroscience  (4 credits)

3. GRS BI 741 Neural Systems: Functional Circuit Analysis  (4 credits)

4. Four electives  (16 credits, 500-level and above), see the Graduate Program Guide for recommendations

5. Research credits  (remaining credits)

Teaching Requirement

The department requires a minimum of two semesters of teaching as part of the Doctor of Philosophy program. During the first semester of teaching, students are required to enroll in our first-year seminar course, GRS BI 697 A Bridge to Knowledge . The course provides guidance and training on pedagogy and other aspects of graduate school.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination must be completed no later than six semesters after matriculation. In most graduate curricula in the department, this consists of a research proposal—often in the form of a grant application—which the student submits to their committee and subsequently defends in an oral presentation. In the  Cell & Molecular Biology and Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology curricula , this is preceded by a comprehensive written examination testing the student’s general background from coursework.

Dissertation & Final Oral Examination

Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Biology Department Chair. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in their field and demonstrate a mastery of their field of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the  GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree . The results of the dissertation must be presented at a department colloquium.

Graduation Timeline

Forms and additional information about PhD graduation can be found on the GRS website .

9 – 12 months before proposed graduation date

  • Dissertation Prospectus & approval form due to Graduate Program Specialist for departmental review and submission to GRS

Semester prior to your intended graduation cycle

  • Intent to Graduate Form completed online

About 2 months before dissertation defense

  • Meet with Graduate Program Specialist, Director of Graduate Studies, and Faculty Advisor to review requirements for defense
  • Arrange for Special Service Appointments if committee members are not BU faculty
  • Send first draft of dissertation to readers

Once defense date is confirmed with committee

  • Reserve room(s) for public seminar and defense

At least three weeks prior to dissertation defense

  • Schedule of Final Oral Exam with Abstract Approval due to GRS
  • Properly formatted draft of dissertation submitted as PDF to [email protected]

At least two weeks prior to dissertation defense

  • Send dissertation to all committee members

At least one week prior to dissertation defense

  • Send program information to Graduate Program Specialist

See the Graduate Program Guide for final dates to submit dissertation to ETD

  • Submit final dissertation to ETD (online submission)
  • Complete electronic signature page and forward confirmation to Graduate Program Specialist along with a copy of your submitted dissertation

MS Degree (En Route to PhD)

Option one: A PhD student who has advanced to candidacy (as demonstrated by passing the PhD qualifying exam), and has completed 32 credits of graduate-level coursework (not including research) may apply to the Graduate School for an MS degree in Biology. This must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies within the Biology Department. The student’s major professor will receive notification of this application process.

Option two: A PhD student who has taken, but has not advanced to candidacy based on the PhD qualifying examination, may still receive an MS degree. This student may receive a Coursework MS degree provided they have completed 32 credits of coursework (not including research credits). Alternatively, this student may receive a Scholarly Paper or Research Thesis MS degree if the written portion of the qualifying examination is adapted to ensure it is of sufficiently high quality for a MS degree, and approved by a majority of the qualifying exam committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Interdisciplinary Study Options

Biology PhD students have the option to participate in the Boston University Graduate Program in Urban Biogeoscience and Environmental Health (BU URBAN), the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program Understanding the Brain: Neurophotonics (NSF NRT UtB: Neurophotonics), and the Biogeoscience Advanced Graduate Certificate Program . These programs require separate applications in addition to the standard Biology PhD application; those interested in BU URBAN are encouraged pre-apply .

Time Limits

Officially, the PhD must be completed within seven years after the first registration for doctoral study. PhD degrees are conferred in either May, August, or January, as specified on the GRS website . In addition, the PhD candidacy expires after the fifth anniversary of passing the Qualifying Examination. Petitions to extend this deadline are possible at the discretion of the Director of Graduate Studies, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School, and can be obtained from the Office of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

The Biology Department guarantees support for five years for all PhD students, contingent on satisfactory performance in the program. PhD students are encouraged to apply for fellowships and grants at funding agencies. All domestic students should apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowships in the Fall semester of their first or second year. 

Travel Grants may be available to assist students in their travel to professional scientific meetings; students presenting papers or posters on their research will receive first consideration.

Common Types of Funding:

Dean’s Fellowships: These are non-service fellowships allocated to first-year PhD students that do not have immediate teaching requirements.

Teaching Fellowships: These provide a stipend plus full tuition and fees for up to four full courses per semester plus a 2-credit teaching course. Teaching responsibilities usually require approximately 20 hours per week. Full or partial awards may be given.

Doctoral Research Fellowships: These awards are given to students who assist individual faculty with specific areas of research. These Research Fellowships provide a stipend and full tuition. The supervising faculty member determines the specific duties of the Research Fellow.

In addition to the above funding sources, several competitive Department awards and fellowships are available to graduate students in the Department of Biology.

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Career Paths for PhD Graduates

New section.

Biomedical scientists can use their knowledge of biomedical research in a wide variety of ways.

diverse people listening to the doctor's presentation

What can I be with a PhD?

Biomedical scientists may use their knowledge of biomedical research to:

  • Direct a research lab and decide which scientific questions to investigate
  • Be part of a team of scientists working together to solve problems of health and disease
  • Manage and coordinate large scientific projects (across institutions and/or across the world)
  • Teach others about biomedical science including how to do research and how to think about and understand scientific information
  • Inform policy makers about scientific matters that impact health and science
  • Communicate (by writing and speaking) and disseminate the latest information about scientific and medical discoveries
  • Translate discoveries and inventions from the most fundamental level to every day usage

Where do biomedical scientists work?

Academic institutions (research and administration)

  • Large research universities
  • Small liberal arts colleges
  • Medical centers and medical schools
  • Dental, veterinary and optometry schools
  • Research institutes
  • Community colleges
  • High schools

Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

Government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, including:

  • NIH - National Institutes of Health
  • FDA - Food and Drug Administration
  • CDCP - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  • NSF - National Science Foundation
  • EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
  • NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • USDA - Department of Agriculture
  • VA - Veterans' Administration
  • DOD - Department of Defense
  • US Congress
  • Executive Branch of the Federal Government
  • State and county health departments

Mass communication organizations and businesses

  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Internet-based communications
  • Broadcast media (television, radio, movies)
  • Scientific journals and textbooks

Law firms (patent and intellectual property law)

Consulting firms

  • Judicial system - scientific evidence in trials
  • Financial - advising regarding investments in biotechnology, drug and medical device development
  • Educational

Philanthropic and non-profit organizations

  • NAS/IOM - National Academies of Science/Institute of Medicine
  • Scientific societies and associations
  • Private foundations

General information about careers in biomedical science

ScienceCareers.org  - Find a job in science - searchable by location including international, field, keyword, etc.

PhD Jobs  - Includes jobs from across the United States including Biological Science, Business, Education, Engineering, Health & Medicine, Information Science, Law, Science

ScienceCareers.org "Mastering Your Ph.D.: Preparing for Your Post-Ph.D. Career" - Survival and success in the doctoral years and beyond

National Postdoctoral Association  - Providing a national voice and seeking positive change for postdoctoral scholars

Choosing a Postdoctoral Position  - Advice on finding the best postdoc for you

PhDs.org: Science, Math, and Engineering Career Resources  - Information for scientists and would-be scientists at all levels, from high school students through Nobel laureates.

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Helpful tools for those applying to medical PhD programs.

Upcoming short presentations will describe features of PhD training, alumni careers, and detailed logistics of the application process.

Learn about PhD Programs from program leaders.

Graduate schools in the biomedical sciences will generally provide a comprehensive funding package to their students.

PhD Programs by School

List of Postdoctoral Programs by School

Postbaccalaureate programs begin after an undergraduate degree and are designed to support the transition to professional school.

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John Dwyer and Gabrielle Lebbink

What can you do with a PhD in biological sciences?

UQ people Published 28 Aug, 2020  ·  5-minute read

Ever wondered what it's like to do a PhD in biological sciences at UQ? Choosing the right pathway can be hard, especially when there are so many unknowns out there.

What can you do with a PhD in biology? Can you tailor your PhD topic? How is doing a PhD in biological sciences different to an undergraduate degree in biology?

PhD candidate Gabrielle and her supervisor Dr John Dwyer have teamed up to answer some of your questions to help you decide what’s right for you.

Watch Can you save our native landscape with a PhD from UQ? on YouTube.

What's your favourite thing about being a biology PhD supervisor?

John: There are many. I think working with really bright, enthusiastic people. That's an absolute joy. It sort of keeps me enthusiastic – it rubs off. I also really enjoy the collaborative process of working with PhD students to try and address questions. Whether we're trying to understand the natural world or trying to solve an ecological problem, doing that is part of a supervisor PhD collaboration and it's super rewarding.

Get tips from PhD students on how to find the right PhD supervisor for you .

Why did you choose to do a PhD in biological sciences?

Gabrielle: I think if you had asked me when I was in undergrad, or had told me that I would be doing a PhD, I would have been fairly surprised. But during my undergrad, I realised I really liked research and then went on to honours and realised I loved research even more – particularly ecological research and all of the things that went with that, from the fieldwork to the analysis to the writing.

Gabrielle Lebbink and Dr John Dwyer

Gabrielle discusses the next steps of her PhD in biology with her supervisor, Dr John Dwyer.

Why are you passionate about research?

John: It's a blessing and a curse being into plants. Everywhere we look, when we go for a walk, even in a city – but it's better when you're in the bush – there's a question to be answered. Why is that tree growing there? Why is that grass growing there? And so, that sort of endless curiosity, or an endless source of questions, makes me both incredibly passionate about doing ecological research and it makes me maybe the worst person to go on a bushwalk with – I’m very slow.

I just love the problem solving of trying to say, why does that grow there? And there's so many different things interacting to have resulted in that and just trying to peel back each of those layers using the scientific method, and collaborating with bright young people is just endlessly joyful and fascinating.

Why did you choose to do your PhD in biology at UQ?

Gabrielle: I've done my whole tertiary education at UQ. So, I've had a long time to make lots of connections with people in the community of UQ. When I was thinking about starting my PhD in biological sciences, there was no real reason for me to look further afield, because I had this great connection with my honours supervisor Rod, and I knew that was the research field that I wanted to go into – I was really passionate about learning about plants in the arid zone. Rod is one of the key people in Australia who does that kind of research.

During my honours year, I started to make these connections with the UQ community, in particular the School of the Environment people, and I didn't really want to leave. 

"I was excited to keep hanging out and being part of this community – a funny, eclectic bunch of humans."

Who do you think should do a PhD in biology?

John: Anyone with enough curiosity and enthusiasm for a topic that they can devote 3 or 4 good years of their life to pursuing. That's the key: enthusiasm and curiosity. You might be driven to solve a big problem, but that's part of it – that's the reason why you're curious and enthusiastic.

I'd also say to people thinking about doing a PhD – ask yourself why you want to do it. It's a lot to go through. It's very positive, well for me it was a very, very positive process and journey, but it's a long journey. It's a few years and you really want to have not just one clear goal or endpoint, but know what your options are, and do your PhD because that's where you want to get to.

I have spoken to people in the past who are kind of on autopilot and it's the next thing to do, and I don't think that's a good reason to do a PhD.

"So be curious, enthusiastic and think about why you're doing it."

Find out what makes a good PhD student .

Gabrielle Lebbink, biology PhD candidate

Enthusiasm and curiosity aren't a problem for Gabrielle, whose PhD in biological sciences is an extension of her passion for plants.

What scholarship have you been awarded and how did you find out about it?

Gabrielle: I got the UQ Graduate School scholarship . I found out about it from my primary supervisor, and he just said to go and look on the internet as "there's this whiz bang scholarship that you can get". If you've done well in your honours, you can apply for it, so I went on and it was a very easy application process. It literally took me 5 minutes.

How to get a PhD in biology at UQ

Wondering how, exactly, you go about getting a PhD in biology at UQ, including how to fund your studies? Read our complete guide on how to get a PhD .

How does supervising biology PhD candidates bring you closer to our aim of advancing ecological knowledge and informing better management of ecosystems and landscapes?

John: I try and design PhD projects to fit within that broad theme. Sometimes I'll have students like Gabrielle, looking at invasive species in agricultural landscapes. I'll have other students looking at more theoretical questions of coexistence in Western Australia.

I'll have a new student start with me in January looking at how climate drives the types of strategies that rainforest plants have in Southeast Queensland. And so this isn't something that I can just do myself, nor would I want to do that. But it's a way for me to collaborate with PhD students and enjoy this process, and to mentor young people while also trying to advance knowledge in the direction that I'm hoping to.

How would you explain the topic of your PhD in biological sciences to someone outside of research?

Gabrielle: Usually I tell people I'm researching an invasive grass species in Northern Queensland. I’m trying to understand how it influences native plant species, how it has spread throughout the landscape, and where and when it's spread throughout the landscape. I'm also trying to understand how to manage it and its impacts on species and ecosystems.

Your research career begins here at UQ.  Explore our scholarships or apply now.

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About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program, faculty, and students work together to increase knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes. Our program trains students to be successful independent scientists and gives them the knowledge, research training, and leadership skills to continue to provide new insights into the biomedical issues that have a profound impact on public health.

Students engage in a rigorous course curriculum and a range of structured and informal activities outside the classroom and lab to build their skills. They will pursue their thesis research in the lab of one of our over forty training faculty across the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Visit our dedicated PhD program website to learn more about the diverse research training opportunities of the program.

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Highlights

Our position within the School of Public Health provides a unique setting in which students learn how biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, cell biology, and genetics can be used to solve significant problems in public health and medicine. Our program offers:

  • Training faculty from across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine
  • A strong grounding in the science of biomedical and public health research through a core curriculum that includes courses taught by leading experts from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine
  • Training outside the lab and classroom in key skills such as communications and leadership
  • Opportunities to build strong communications skills through a range of speaking venues including journal club, research colloquium, department retreats, and national meetings
  • Access to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Professional Development and Career Office , offering excellent career services and professional development,  including the BMB-required OPTIONS program, a guided process of career exploration for paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond for careers paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond
  • Opportunities to participate in community service and outreach, with a focus on our East Baltimore neighborhoods, through the Johns Hopkins University community engagement and service-learning center, SOURCE

Training faculty across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine

Schools that students can take courses in: Public Health, Arts & Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering

Two-month rotations in the first year prior to selecting thesis lab

Average number of incoming students in the BMB PhD degree program each year

What Can You Do With a PhD In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology?

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program prepares students for a range of biomedical and health sciences careers, including in academia, industry, policy, and beyond.

Sample Careers

  • Research Scientist
  • Science Policy Adviser
  • Biotech Executive
  • Senior Scientist
  • Patent Lawyer
  • Science Policy Analyst/Advocate
  • Science Writer/Journalist
  • Biological Sciences Teacher

Topic Areas

The BMB PhD program faculty conduct research to gain new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cellular processes, and their relevance as targets for improving health and treating disease. Our training program places particular emphasis on mechanistic approaches to research problems.

Common topic areas within our faculty's diverse research interests include:

  • Biophysics and Structural Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Chemical Biology and Proteomics
  • Cell Biology
  • Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
  • Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
  • Immunology and Infectious Diseases
  • Translational Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The BMB PhD offers students a rigorous course curriculum, including a set of common core classes from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine. A rich array of seminar programs and journal clubs are also available to all students.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Courses in core curriculum

Minimum elective credits

Seminars on current research presented by experts from across Johns Hopkins and other biomedical research institutions

Courses available across Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:

Prior Work Experience

Laboratory research experience (from academia, industry, etc.) is required

Prior Coursework

Strong background in the sciences, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Ashani Weeraratna

Ashani T. Weeraratna

Ashi Weeraratna, PhD, studies how cancer cells move to distant sites and how changes in the normal cells around a tumor contribute to their movement, especially as we age.

can bio student do phd

Michael J. Matunis

Michael Matunis, PhD, studies how protein modification by SUMO—the small ubiquitin-related modifier—drives changes in key cellular pathways from stress response to DNA repair.

Jennifer Kavran

Jennifer M. Kavran

Jennifer Kavran, PhD, MS, MPhil, is a biophysicist who investigates how cells communicate with each other and their environment.

can bio student do phd

Danfeng Cai

Danfeng Cai, PhD, combines advanced microscopy, genomics, and proteomics to tease out the functions of protein condensates in cells, with a focus on cancer.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1 , 202 3 . VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 202 3 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

Vivien Thomas

All full-time PhD students receive the following support for all years of the program: full tuition and fees, individual health insurance, University Health Services fee, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a stipend for living expenses for students who remain in good academic standing. PhD students are required to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one term, in either their 2nd or 3rd year.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Mike Matunis, PhD PhD Program Director

Roza Selimyan , PhD BMB Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Education Programs

Erika Vaitekunas Administrative Specialist

[email protected]

Compare Programs

  • Check out similar programs at the Bloomberg School to find the best fit.
  • Master of Science (ScM), Offered by BMB
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  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Health

Human Genetics and Genomics, PhD

School of medicine, ph.d. program.

The Johns Hopkins Human Genetics Training Program provides a training in all aspects of human genetics and genomics relevant to human biology, health and disease. 

Advances in human genetics and genomics continue at an astounding rate and increasingly they are being integrated into medical practice. The Human Genetics Program aims to educate highly motivated and capable students with the knowledge and experimental tools that will enable them to answer important questions at the interface between genetics and medicine. Ultimately, our trainees will be the leaders in delivering the promise of genetics to human health.

The overall objective of the Human Genetics program is to provide our students with a strong foundation in basic science by exposure to a rigorous graduate education in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and biostatistics as well as a core of medically-related courses selected to provide knowledge of human biology in health and disease. 

This program is also offered as training for medical students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program.  Students apply to the combined program at the time of application to the M.D. program. (See section entitled Medical Scientist Training Program).

Research Facilities

Research laboratories are well equipped to carry out sophisticated research in all areas of genetics. The proximity to renown clinical facilities of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, including the Department of Genetic Medicine, and Oncology Center provides faculty and students with access to a wealth of material for study. Computer and library facilities are excellent. Laboratories involved in the Human Genetics Program span Johns Hopkins University; consequently supporting facilities are extensive.

Financial Aid

The program is supported by a training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. These fellowships, which are restricted to United States citizens and permanent United States residents, cover tuition, health care insurance and a stipend during year one.  Once a student has joined a thesis lab, all financial responsibilities belong to the mentor.   Students are encouraged, however, to apply for fellowships from outside sources (e.g., the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Scholars Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute) before entering the program.

Applicants for admission should show a strong academic foundation with coursework in biology, chemistry and quantitative analysis.   Applicants are encouraged to have exposure to lab research or to data science.  A bachelor's degree from a qualified college or university will be required for matriculation.  GREs are no longer required.

The Human Genetics site has up-to-date information on “ How to Apply .” For questions not addressed on these pages, please access the contact imformation listed on the program page: Human Genetics and Genomics Training Program | Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine (hopkinsmedicine.org) .

Program Requirements

The program includes the following required core courses: Advanced Topics in Human Genetics, Evolving Concept of the Gene, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Cell Structure and Dynamics, Computational Bootcamp,  Pathways and Regulation, Genomic Technologies, Rigor and Reproducibility in Research, and Systems, Genes and Mechanisms of Disease. Numerous elective courses are available and are listed under sponsoring departments.

Our trainees must take a minimum of four electives, one of which must provide computational/statistical training.

The HG program requires the “OPTIONS” Career Curriculum offered by the Professional Development and Career Office.  OPTIONS is designed to provide trainees with the skills for career building and the opportunity for career exploration as well as professional development training

Human Genetics trainees also take a two-week course in July at the Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor, Maine entitled "Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics: The McKusick Short Course" which covers the waterfront from basic principles to the latest developments in mammalian genetics. The faculty numbers about 50 and consists roughly in thirds of JAX faculty, Hopkins faculty and “guest” faculty comprising outstanding mammalian geneticists from other US universities and around the world.

The courses offered by the faculty of the program are listed below. All courses are open to graduate students from any university program as well as selected undergraduates with permission of the course director.

Trainees must complete three research rotations before deciding on their thesis lab.  They must also participate in the Responsible Conduct of Research sessions offered by the Biomedical Program; starting at year 3, students must attend at least two Research Integrity Colloquium lectures per year. 

Our trainees participate in weekly journal clubs, department seminars, monthly Science & Pizza presentations as well as workshops given twice a year on diversity, identity and culture.

At the end of the second year, trainees take their Doctoral Board Oral Examination.  Annual thesis committee meetings must be held following successful completion of this exam.

Average time for completion is 5.3 years.

Graduates from the Human Genetics program pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry, teaching, government, law, as well the private sector.  Our trainees are encouraged to explore the full spectrum of professional venues in which their training my provide a strong foundation. Driven by curiosity and a desire for excellence, our trainees stand out as leaders in the chosen arenas of professional life. They are supported in the development of their career plans by a program faculty and administration who are dedicated to their success, and by a myriad of support networks across the Johns Hopkins University, many of which are provided by the Professional Development Career Office of the School of Medicine.

Ph.D. vs M.S. - Which is Right for You?

Frequently asked questions , how do i support myself financially while i work towards my ph.d..

  • Ph.D. students are guaranteed 5 years of salary and tuition support through teaching (GTA) or research (GRA) fellowships that also cover most of tuition costs.

Why do a Ph.D.?

  • A Ph.D. degree is the primary graduate degree for students interested in conducting research that UTA Biology offers. 
  • Students who complete the Ph.D. program often go into academia, biotechnology, biomedical industries, government research, or positions in research institute
  • Ph.D. students are guaranteed 5 years of financial support and tuition support that funds students during their Ph.D., as long as they are making satisfactory progress in the program. 

Can I enter a Ph.D. program without a master’s degree?

  • Yes, in fact the majority of Ph.D. students enter the program without a master’s degree

Why do a Master’s degree?

  • Get a better job, or promotion at your current job
  • Increase your competitiveness for applying to medical school

Master’s degree options:

  • M.S. (Non-Thesis) – a course-based Master’s degree, primarily designed for either 1) professionals that want to further their education (e.g., those in industry, or in education), or 2) undergraduates that want to improve their chances of acceptance to a medical school or other graduate degree program
  • M.S. Thesis – This is a research-based master’s degree. Currently we are not accepting students into this program, and all research-oriented graduate students are encouraged to consider admission to the Ph.D. program .

Location : Life Sciences Building, Room 337, 501 S. Nedderman Dr., Arlington, TX 76019 Mailing address : P.O. Box 19498 Phone : 817-272-2872

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Bioengineering PhD Model Program

Bioengineering is a diverse and growing field encompassing many topics including biomaterials, biomechanics including robotics, biophysics and neuromotor control.  

The guidelines given here form a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest. Students should become familiar with both these bioengineering course guidelines as well as the school's overall PhD course requirements , and work in close consultation with their advisors to develop an individualized program plan that is consistent with those requirements. Courses provide the background knowledge that is needed to successfully complete research and allow students to learn more broadly about a field or related fields in a structured fashion.

Students can consider structuring their coursework in the following framework:

  • Applied math and computation, 2-3 courses. The goal is to acquire analytical and computational tools for modeling and data analysis. Typical courses include AM 121, AM 201, AM 205, AM 216, AM 232, AC 209a.
  • Cells, Tissues, and Biomaterials: ES 222, ES 230, ES 221, ES 228, ES 220, ES 293, ES 240, AP 225, AP 235
  • Applied Mechanics: ES 240, ES 241, ES 246, ES 228, ES 220, AP 235
  • Signal, Image and Data Processing: ES 201, ES 226r, ES 250, ES 255, AM 254, CS 283
  • Controls and Robotics: ES 201, ES 202, ES 226r, ES 249, ES 259, ES 252r, CS 289
  • Medical Imaging & Image Processing: CS 283, ES 250, ES 258, ES 293
  • Design and Instrumentation: ES 227, ES 228, ES 259, ES 276, ES 277, ES 291, PHY 223
  • Physiology and biology, 1-2 courses. Background in biological function that informs thesis research and prepares students for future research in bioengineering. Subject areas may range from molecular to cellular to organs to system-level anatomy and function. Typical courses include: ES 222, CELLBIO 304qc.

It is also worth noting that Harvard and MIT students may cross register for courses at either institution.

The Model Program provided above is intended to provide guidance and should not be construed as a requirement; students, in consultation with their advisor(s) , have the flexibility to construct any Ph.D. Program Plan that meets the overall PhD Program course requirements.

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Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS)

Genomics & bioinformatics phd program.

The PhD in Genomics and Bioinformatics is designed to develop research scientists who apply principles and methods in genomics and bioinformatics to the study of human diseases.

The PhD in Genomics and Bioinformatics provides research training areas that reflect GW faculty expertise which includes DNA/RNA sequence analysis, algorithm development, cloud computing optimization, informatics platform development, biomarker discovery, microbiome, retrovirology (HIV/AIDS), autism spectrum disorders, muscular dystrophies, cancer genomics, glycoinformatics, microRNA processing, protein trafficking, and dysregulation of mitochondrial functions. Faculty are drawn largely from the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Children’s Research Institute of Children’s National Health System.

Students have access to the state of the art technologies in genomics, proteomics, microscopy, bioinformatics, pre-clinical drug trials and multi-site clinical trial networks. Resources include the GW  Genomics Core , the GW  Biorepository  resource of biospecimens and clinical data, the  McCormick Genomic  and Proteomic Center, and  Colonial One  (the GW High Performance Computing Cluster), as well as cutting-edge core facilities for flow cytometry, imaging, and pathology.

PhD programs in the biomedical sciences are designed to meet key goals in contemporary graduate research education including 1) discipline-specific knowledge, 2) research skill development, 3) research communication skills, 4) research leadership, 5) research professionalism, and prepare graduates for a variety of science careers. To apply, please visit  IBS Admissions .

The PhD in Genomics & Bioinformatics begins with interdisciplinary coursework in molecular, cellular, and systems biology in the first semester. In the second and third semester students take a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual and experimental underpinnings of computational biology, statistics, genetics, and DNA sequencing. Career development coursework in scientific writing, oral communication, and research ethics; and laboratory rotations offered through GW’s Integrated Biomedical Sciences curriculum. Following required laboratory rotations, students work with their research advisor and the Graduate Program Directors to complete remaining Genomics & Bioinformatics degree requirements, including the dissertation.

Genomics and Bioinformatics Core:

  • GENO 8231: Introduction to Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics
  • GENO 8232: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics - Principals and Practices
  • GENO 6223: Bioinformatics
  • GENO 6237: Proteomics & Biomarkers
  • GENO 8998: Advanced Reading and Research Seminar Course
  • GENO 8999: Dissertation Research

Some Suggested Electives:

  • BIOC 6240: Next Gen Sequencing.
  • PUBH 6277: Public Health Genomics
  • BMSC 8219: Writing the Grant-Style Qualifier

Seminars/Journal Clubs:

CTSI-CN Informatics Seminar Series

Complete grant-style qualifier examination, advance to candidacy

Graduate Program Directors:

Ljubica Caldovic, PhD Assistant Research Professor of Genomics and Precision Medicine Children's National Health System; GWU [email protected]

Raja Mazumder, PhD Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine GWU, Ross Hall 540 [email protected]

How to apply  to the IBS and Genomics and Bioinformatics PhD Program For IBS Application Questions contact Colleen Kennedy, IBS Program Manager

can bio student do phd

  • Doing a PhD in Biochemistry

A PhD in biochemistry aims to train students in the fundamentals of biochemical research and equip them with skills that will help them analyse data and develop new research ideas.

The basics of a PhD in Biochemistry

Biochemistry involves the study of the chemical processes and structures that occur in living organisms, from bacteria to humans. Biochemical methods are often used in medical research to better understand the causes of diseases such as cancer, AIDS and heart disease, and in related areas such as pharmacology, drug discovery and toxicology, research into the effects of toxins.

A doctorate in biochemistry is an advanced qualification designed to train students in their chosen subject. It involves carrying out original research on a specific topic under the supervision of an academic supervisor.

Daily activities of a Biochemistry doctorate student

As a PhD student in biochemistry, your typical daily activities will vary depending on the stage of the program you are in, but can include attending laboratory seminars, meeting with supervisors to discuss the progress of your research project or thesis, designing and conducting experiments in the laboratory, analysing biochemical data using specialist software packages, and creating scientific journals.

Lines of Research

Biochemistry is one of the most diverse scientific disciplines, but there are many areas in which you can specialise to develop more specific knowledge. Possible research topics include:

  • Biochemistry of single-celled organisms
  • Biochemistry of prokaryotes
  • Biochemistry of eukaryotes
  • Bioinformatics and computer biology
  • Molecular structural biology
  • Bioactive molecules
  • Genomics and systems biology
  • Systems medicine and human health
  • Synthetic biology, synthetic therapeutics, clinically relevant therapeutic design
  • Biotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Due to the broad range of topics within the discipline, your research project may see you performing research on the structure of proteins, investigating cell metabolism, bioenergetics, cellular stress and biochemical factors within the nervous system. You may perform research in functional genomics, viral biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or better understanding the immune processes.

Browse PhDs in Biochemistry

In-situ disposal of cementitious wastes at uk nuclear sites, capturing vibration to drive chemical change, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, atomic layer deposition of novel nanolayer materials for solar cells, coventry university postgraduate research studentships, research proposal.

Besides pre-defined projects, your doctoral supervisor may recommend that you propose your own specific topic that comes closest to your personal interests, or they may simply suggest a broad topic as a starting point, such as Alzheimer’s, bioinformatics, proteins or human diseases. In both cases, you will need to produce a research proposal to explain your proposed research objectives and ensure that it is scientifically sound.

How long does it take to get a PhD in Biochemistry?

In the UK, a full-time doctoral student will usually take 3 years to complete their PhD in Biochemistry. Part-time PhD students should expect to take closer to 6 years to complete their research project.

Most Biochemistry PhD students will first register as MPhil students, typically completing an upgrade viva after 18 months, before officially becoming registered as a PhD student. Whilst your supervisor will provide mentorship, it’s ultimately the responsibility of postgraduate students to ensure their project and studies run on time and that they meet the deadlines expected of them.

What are the typical entry requirements for a Biochemistry PhD Programme?

In terms of applications, most UK universities require at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree or the equivalent grade from a university outside of the UK. Further, your degree will need to be in a field relevant to Biochemistry.

If English is not your first language, you will have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of your application. Usually, this is a minimum IELTS test score of 6.5 for research programmes however this may be higher from one university to another, and from one programme of study to another.

How much does a Biochemistry PhD cost?

UK based postgraduate research students will pay annual tuition fees of around £4,500/year. Part-time students should expect to pay lower fees, with some variability between institutions about how this is calculated.

For international students (including now EU students), the annual tuition fee is approximately £23,500/year, equating to £70,500 over 3 years.

As with every PhD degree, potential students will need to consider additional costs such as living costs and any bench fees that may be expected by their particular project or graduate school. It’s a good idea to discuss these, along with any potential scholarships or funding opportunities, with your potential supervisors before starting your postgraduate degree.

Career options for Biochemistry PhD graduates

Upon completing a PhD in biochemistry, you may be wondering what comes next? Well, there is a wide range of choices because a doctorate in biochemistry allows you to work in many fields, including pharmaceutical and agricultural research, academia as a university lecturer, industry as a senior scientist, researcher or manager, as well as in research or at government institutes.

A PhD in biochemistry can open the door to many career opportunities in the academic world, such as lecturing and researching at universities. An academic career need not be limited to teaching – if you want to continue your research in a university environment, a PostDoctoral Research Fellowship (PDF) is ideal. It allows you to work on a research project in your field of interest, secure a salary and build on your research skills and experience.

This is perhaps the most popular area for PhD biochemists. The industry is constantly looking for people who can contribute their knowledge of biochemistry in combination with laboratory science. Companies looking for biochemists include pharmaceutical companies, agricultural research organisations, animal testing laboratories and analytical laboratories.

Government and research institutes

Government and health institutes, such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) or the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), often require people with a PhD in biochemistry. As a biochemist in a government agency, you can test food samples for contamination or monitor and test new vaccines and drugs. Alternatively, you could be the perfect candidate for working in a forensic laboratory because of your ability to analyse chemical reactions.

Research charities

Charities are one of the primary employers of PhD biochemists. They provide much-needed information about biological research, which is not always available. Charities such as Cancer Research UK (CRUK), Diabetes UK and Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) attach great importance to a PhD and consider it an invaluable asset to their research teams.

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Fully Funded Biomedical Sciences Education PhD at University of Edinburgh (deadline extended)

The University of Edinburgh is seeking a student who would like to do a PhD on Biomedical Sciences education, specifically on the topic of international and transnational education. The PhD is funded through a partnership with the Zhejiang-Edinburgh Institute in China. The student can have a broad STEM (biology, medicine, sciences) or educational background (or psychology, sociology, etc.), but will be keen to contribute to biomedical education.

The PhD is fully funded, situated primarily in Edinburgh, and open to international students. The original deadline was 3/29/24 but has been extended. Please send any questions about the program to Dr. Jacqueline Dohaney at [email protected]

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  • Updated on  
  • Apr 25, 2023

PhD in IIT

Among the top Engineering institutions in India , the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are nationally recognized for their quality programs in Science and Technology. There are 23 IITs in India out of which IIT Kharagpur is the oldest one. For a research-oriented degree like PhD , IITs can be an ideal choice as they can provide you with the suitable exposure and opportunities required. Pursuing your doctorate under globally recognised faculties in IITs can also equip you with the right guidance and mentorship for your research thesis. Through this blog, we will look at the key details of studying a PhD in IIT, the eligibility criteria, and the institutes you can choose from.

This Blog Includes:

Why pursue phd from iits, indian institute of technology, madras, indian institute of technology, roorkee, indian institute of technology, bombay, indian institute of technology, kharagpur, indian institute of technology, gandhinagar, iit dharwad, iit guwahati.

Owing to a large number of science students planning to pursue their PhD from an IIT, the eligibility criteria and admission procedure of the institutes is quite rigid and complex. In order to apply for your PhD in IIT, the prerequisites can differ from one institute to another along with the admission procedure. However, GATE is an essential exam that you need to qualify in order to apply for any of the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology. Moreover, the specializations offered might also vary thus it is advised that students go through the website of their chosen institute thoroughly before sending their application for their doctorate degree.

Also Read: All About PhD After Btech

Best Options for PhD in IITs

Below we have elaborated some of the top IITs and their prospective P hD courses that you can choose from:

TOP IIT INSTITUTES FOR Phd

Established in the year 1959, Indian Institute of Madras always grabs its notable mention for its renowned engineering degrees. IIT Madras is not only famous for its PhD program but also for its bachelor’s and master’s programs. The institute also offers interdisciplinary PhD degrees and the central eligibility requirement for doctoral degrees is that candidates require a bachelor’s degree in a related field of their doctoral program as well as an MSc degree. The application procedure for PhD in IIT Madras is completely online and after the submission of the application, the admission committee calls up shortlisted candidates for a written test and/or interview. Further, provides a wide scope through which students can carry out the research. The main departments for doctoral and MS (Research) degree are:

Founded with the vision of attaining “ a global level of excellence in education and to create a sustainable and equitable society through innovative research in science”, the university aims to provide students with a balanced exposure into the world of scientific knowledge through its research-oriented degrees. Especially to the ones wanting to pursue a PhD in IIT, it can be a sure shot option as the institute provides world-class research facilities with its remarkable faculty. To enrol into a program you first need to have attained any of the CSIR/UGC/DST fellowships along with a masters degree in a related field with a minimum of 60%. Further, PhD degrees at IIT Roorkee are offered in the following disciplines:

Being one of the most prestigious IITs, the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay was founded in the year 1959 and offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in the varied specializations of Humanities & Social Sciences, Engineering and Sciences. The Institution offers par excellence opportunities for doctorate scholars. Extensive research methodologies are taught to the candidates enrolled under the research programs and they are guided by a nationally renowned faculty at every step of their doctoral thesis. To get enrolled under PhD in IIT Bombay, students must have a masters degree in Engineering or Technology with minimum 60% marks. Here is a list of departments in IIT Bombay that offer PhD degrees:

IIT Kharagpur offers a unique integrated PhD program, i.e. joint master’s and PhD in which students can study their postgraduate and doctorate degree together. After 1st year of Mtech/MCP, students can enrol themselves into PhD in IIT Kharagpur. The necessary requirement for this program is that candidates must possess a Btech degree.  Further, you would also have to clear the GATE exam to apply for PhD at the completion of your master’s degree. Here is a list of departments that offer these Joint Master’s and PhD courses at IIT Kharagpur:

IIT Gandhinagar has introduced a special doctorate program called Start Early PhD Fellowship after comprehending the significance of creating more opportunities for emerging young learners to venture into the vast domain of scientific research. This full-time fellowship is curated to provide budding engineers with the opportunity to pursue PhD in IIT Gandhinagar. For general PhD degrees, the departments of IIT Gandhinagar are listed in the following table:

IIT Dharwad offers admissions for PhD courses in various disciplines. The aim of the university is to provide students with the correct exposure to the world of scientific knowledge through its degrees. For students wanting to pursue a PhD in IIT, it is definitely one of the best options as the institute provides world-class research facilities with its excellent faculty. To enrol into a program you first need to have attained a master’s degree in a related field with a minimum of 60%. Further, PhD degrees at IIT Dharwad are offered in the following disciplines:

IIT Guwahati is another great option for students planning to pursue PhD in IIT. PhD courses at IIT Guwahati are offered in the following modes -regular, sponsored, part-time, and self-financed modes. The candidates are shortlisted on the basis of their applications and scores followed by interview rounds. To enrol into a program you first need to have attained a master’s degree in a related field with a minimum of 60%. Further, PhD degrees at IIT Guwahati are offered in the following disciplines:

IIT Bhilai offers admission to candidates after completion of an undergraduate (UG) or Post-Graduate program subject to fulfilling the other eligibility criteria defined by the Institute. Further, the PhD program is offered under two different modes with the nominal duration mentioned as below. 1. Full-time 2. Part-time. To enrol into a program you first need to have attained a master’s degree in a related field with a minimum of 60%. Further, PhD degrees at IIT Bhilai are offered in the following disciplines:

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering with at least 75% marks/7.5 CPI on a 10-point scale and a valid GATE score. GATE is not required for candidates with a bachelor’s degree from a Centrally Funded Technical Institute (CFTI).

Candidates must have received at least 60% (or 6.5 GPA out of 10) on their Master’s degree. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree (BE/B. Tech.) (or MSc) in a relevant discipline with at least 65% marks (or 7.0 GPA out of 10) and a valid GATE/UGC/CSIR/NET score.

IITs are adaptable in giving doctoral degrees to a variety of students through programmes such as full-time research scholars with their own fellowship (from any funding agency like as CSIR/UGC/DBT/DST, etc.) or with institute assistantship.

We hope that this blog has provided you with the major features of PhD in IITs. If you are exploring doctorate degrees and are looking for the varied specializations offered across the globe, take the help of Leverage Edu ’s AI tool to browse through a wide range of PhD programs as well as universities and find suitable combinations that align with your interests and aspirations.

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Properly Write Your Degree

The correct way to communicate your degree to employers and others is by using the following formats:

Degree - This is the academic degree you are receiving. Your major is in addition to the degree; it can be added to the phrase or written separately.  Include the full name of your degree, major(s), minor(s), emphases, and certificates on your resume.

Double Majors - You will not be receiving two bachelor's degrees if you double major. Your primary major determines the degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). If you're not fully sure which of your majors is primary, check CheckMarq or call the registrar's office.

Example: Primary Major: Psychology ; Secondary Major: Marketing
  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology & Marketing

Primary Major: Marketing ; Secondary Major: Psychology

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing & Psychology

In a letter, you may shorten your degree by writing it this way:

  • In May 20XX, I will graduate with my Bachelor's degree in International Affairs.
  • In December 20XX, I will graduate with my Master's degree in Counseling Education.

Not sure which degree you are graduating with? Here is a list of Undergraduate Majors and corresponding degrees:

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BioE Student Spotlight: Ryan Beam

Where are you from/where is your hometown?

Reading, PA

What degree type are you pursuing?

BS Bioengineering

What is your specialization, OR, do you have any other majors/minors?

Pharmaceutical track

Are you involved in any bioengineering related organizations (both inside or outside of Lehigh)? If so, please specify.

Executive member of BMES (Communications Representative) and research with Professor Gonzalez-Fernandez

Why did you decide to come to Lehigh University?

I decided to come to Lehigh because I knew I would be getting a strong education that would help prepare me for life after college. The community at Lehigh also really fosters growth both in and outside of the classroom.

Why did you decide to study bioengineering?

I decided to study bioengineering because of my interest in solving problems in health/medicine. Bioengineering is a very interdisciplinary field that connects math and engineering to the medical field. I have always loved solving problems and the medical field, and bioengineering is the perfect cross between these subjects.

What do you want to be/do after you graduate and how will this degree help you get there?

After graduation I hope to pursue a career in drug development/delivery. In just two years at Lehigh, I have been able to learn an incredible amount of information through classes and research that I will be able to apply in industry after graduation.

Share a good experience/memory with a faculty/staff member/peers/or class within bioengineering

Participating in BMES events always provide good memories. I always enjoy spending time with my peers and the BioE faculty while attending these events.

What words of wisdom do you have for current or future students of bioengineering at Lehigh?

I encourage all future bioengineering students to get involved in research. Participating in research has taught me a lot about things within the field that can’t really be taught in a classroom. Having this hands-on experience has helped me grow as a student beyond my own expectations.

can bio student do phd

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Watch CBS News

Biden's new student loan forgiveness plan could help 30 million borrowers. Here's who would qualify.

By Aimee Picchi

Edited By Anne Marie Lee

Updated on: April 10, 2024 / 11:28 AM EDT / CBS News

President Joe Biden once again is trying to deliver widespread student debt forgiveness, with a new plan unveiled on Monday that could help about 30 million borrowers erase some or all of their college loans. 

The latest attempt at broad debt relief comes less than a year after the Supreme Court blocked Biden's previous attempt to help student borrowers, when the court's  June 2023 ruling denied up to $20,000 in forgiveness to roughly 40 million Americans. 

Biden, who had made student loan relief a major campaign pledge, unveiled the new plan on Monday, describing it as potentially "life changing" for millions of Americans. About 43 million people are carrying $1.7 trillion in student debt, a burden that some borrowers and their advocates say hampers their ability to buy a home or achieve other financial milestones. 

"While a college degree still is a ticket to the middle class, that ticket is becoming much too expensive. Much too expensive," Biden said an event at Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin. "The ability for working and middle-class folks to repay their student loans has become so burdensome that a lot can't repay it for even decades after being in school."

Here's what to know about Biden's new plan and who would qualify. 

How is this plan different from the one struck down by the Supreme Court?

The new plan relies on a different law to provide debt relief to student borrowers. 

The previous plan relied on the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or HEROES Act, a pandemic-era stimulus package. The Supreme Court ruled that law didn't provide the Biden administration with the authority to forgive student debt. 

The new plan turns to an older law, the Higher Education Act, which allows the Secretary of Education to "compromise, waive or release" federal student loans. It's through this mechanism that the Biden administration is tackling its new debt relief program. 

Who will qualify for debt forgiveness under the new plan?

There are 5 major groups of borrowers who could benefit under the new plan. 

  • 2.5 million borrowers who have been in repayment for 20 years or more. 

The Biden administration said people with only undergraduate debt could qualify for forgiveness if they first began repaying their loans at least 20 years ago, or on or before July 1, 2005. Borrowers with graduate school debt would qualify if they first began repaying their loans 25 years ago, or on or before July 1, 2000. 

Borrowers don't have to be enrolled in an income-driven repayment plan to qualify, the White House said. Both direct loans and direct consolidation loans would be covered.

  • People with debt who attended "low-financial-value programs"

College is supposed to provide its graduates with the skills to achieve higher-income careers, but there are some programs that have left people in debt but without a marketable degree, such as some offered by for-profit colleges like the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges .

The new plan would cancel student debt for loans from colleges or programs that lost their eligibility to participate in the Federal student aid program or were denied recertification because they cheated students, the White House said. Borrowers who also attended colleges that don't provide "sufficient value," such as leaving grads without the ability to earn more than a high school grad, would also be eligible for relief. 

  • People experiencing hardship in paying back their loans.

Borrowers who are experiencing hardship that hampers their ability to repay their loans could also qualify for forgiveness. Although the White House didn't specify the financial threshold for qualifying under this pathway, it said this could cover borrowers at high risk of defaulting on their student loans or who are grappling with issues like medical debt.

  • 25 million borrowers whose balances ballooned because of interest.

Some borrowers have seen their balances grow due to a financial issue called "negative amortization," in which a person's loan balance keeps growing despite their consistently making payments. Under the plan, roughly 25 million people who have experienced this issue could get up to $20,000 of their interest canceled. 

  • 2 million low- and middle-income borrowers who qualify for forgiveness but haven't applied.

The plan would also provide debt relief for about 2 million low- and middle-income borrowers who qualify for programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or income-driven repayment plans but haven't applied for them.

"No application will be needed for borrowers to receive this relief if the plan is implemented as proposed," the White House said.

What are the next steps to getting the plan approved? 

The Education Department said it plans to release a formal proposal in the "coming months." That would usually be followed by a public comment period of 60 days. Then if the rule is finalized by November 1, it would usually take effect the following July — in this case, July 2025.

But the Higher Education Act authorizes the education secretary to fast-track rules for "early implementation" in some cases. The Biden administration recently  used that power  to accelerate student loan cancellation offered through a new federal repayment plan. Invoking that authority could allow Biden to start canceling debt later this year.

When could the new plan go into effect?

That's not known yet because the plan has to get pass some additional hurdles before becoming effective, as noted above. Asked by reporters when U.S. student loan recipients might see their interest balances canceled, officials said the forgiveness could happen starting "early this fall."

Could the plan be challenged in court?

Yes, conservative opponents are expected to challenge Biden's plan in court.

Republicans have repeatedly fought Biden's plan for student loan cancellation, saying it's an unfair benefit shouldered by taxpayers who repaid their loans or didn't go to college. Opponents say the Supreme Court was clear that widespread loan cancellation must come from Congress.

Separately, seven states, led by Missouri, filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday challenging Biden's  SAVE Plan, an income-based repayment program that was introduced last year. The new lawsuit largely mirrors another suit  filed last month  by Republican attorneys general in 11 states, led by Kansas.

The suit doesn't directly challenge Biden's newest plan for cancellation, but its architect, Missouri's attorney general, separately threatened to bring action against that plan, too.

If Biden's plan faces a lawsuit, courts could order the administration to halt cancellation until legal questions are sorted out. That scenario could leave the plan on hold beyond the November presidential election. Even if it survives legal challenges, a Donald Trump victory would spell almost certain doom for Biden's plan.

— With reporting by the Associated Press.

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Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.

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What to Know About Biden’s New Student Debt Relief Plan

The proposal would affect nearly 30 million people and would target groups that have had hardships in repaying their loans.

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Biden Announces New Plan for Student Debt Relief

President biden announced a large-scale effort to help pay off federal student loans for more than 20 million borrowers..

Today, I’m proud to announce five major actions to continue to relieve student debt for more than 30 million Americans since I started my administration. And starting this fall, we plan to deliver up to $20,000 in interest relief to over 20 million borrowers and full forgiveness for millions more. [applause] I will never stop to deliver student debt relief and hardworking Americans. And it’s only in the interest of America that we do it. And again, it’s for the good of our economy that’s growing stronger and stronger, and it is, by freeing millions of Americans from this crushing debt of student debt. It means they can finally get on with their lives instead of being put — their lives being put on hold.

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By Erica L. Green

Reporting from Washington

President Biden released details on Monday of his new student loan debt forgiveness plan for nearly 30 million borrowers.

The proposal still needs to be finalized and will have to withstand expected legal challenges, like the ones that doomed Mr. Biden’s first attempt to wipe out student debt on a large scale last year.

Biden administration officials said they could begin handing out some of the debt relief — including the canceling of up to $20,000 in interest — as soon as this fall if the new effort moves forward after the required, monthslong comment period.

Here’s what is known so far about the program:

Who would benefit from the new plan?

The plan would reduce payments for 25 million borrowers and erase all debt for more than four million Americans. Altogether, 10 million borrowers would see debt relief of $5,000 or more, officials said.

The groups affected include:

— Borrowers whose loan balances have ballooned because of interest would have up to $20,000 of their interest balance canceled. The plan would waive the entire interest balance for borrowers considered “low- and middle-income” who are enrolled in the administration’s income-driven repayment plans.

The interest forgiveness would be a one-time benefit, but would be the largest relief valve in the plan. The administration estimates that of the 25 million borrowers that could see relief under this waiver, 23 million would see their entire interest balance wiped out.

— Borrowers who are eligible for, but have not yet applied for, loan forgiveness under existing programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or the administration’s new repayment program, called SAVE, would have their debts automatically canceled.

— Borrowers with undergraduate student debt who started repaying their loans more than 20 years ago, and graduate students who started paying their debt 25 or more years ago, would have their debts canceled.

— Borrowers who enrolled in programs or colleges that lost federal funding because they cheated or defrauded students would have their debts waived. Students who attended institutions or programs that left them with mounds of debt but bleak earning or job prospects would also be eligible for relief.

— Borrowers who are experiencing “hardship” paying back their loans because of medical or child care costs would also be eligible for some type of relief. The administration has not yet determined how these borrowers would be identified, but is considering automatic forgiveness for those at risk of defaulting.

How is this different from the last plan?

Mr. Biden initially tried to grant $400 billion in debt relief for 40 million borrowers by using the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, or HEROES Act, which the administration argued allowed the government to waive student debt during a national emergency like the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court blocked that move , saying that Mr. Biden had exceeded his authority.

The new plan would forgive some or all loan debt for nearly 30 million borrowers under the Higher Education Act, the federal law that regulates student loan and grant programs. By targeting specific groups of borrowers — instead of offering broad loan forgiveness — the administration believes it can act within the narrower confines of that law.

The Biden administration said lawyers for the White House and the Education Department studied last year’s Supreme Court ruling and designed the new program to make sure it did not violate the principles laid out by the justices.

Still, there could be questions about whether the borrowers under the latest plan would be considered “limited,” as the Supreme Court said the Higher Education Act requires, or whether the administration again overstepped its authority.

What’s the timeline?

The new plan still needs to be published in the Federal Register, which then will start a monthslong public comment period. Administration officials have said they hoped some of the provisions would begin going into effect in “early fall.”

That could leave the debt relief plan unresolved as voters go to the polls in November to choose between Mr. Biden and former President Donald J. Trump.

But Biden campaign officials hope the latest effort will help rally voters who were sorely disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision last year.

Erica L. Green is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Erica L. Green

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

The democratic party is unifying around a blunt message on abortion, solely blaming Donald Trump for the country’s shift, ahead of Kamala Harris’s   trip to Arizona,  where Democrats hope to keep Republicans reeling.

Trump and Mike Johnson, the G.O.P. speaker, at odds over many issues, are making a common cause on “election integrity,”  ahead of Johnson’s trip to Mar-a-Lago.

​​Price pressures aren’t easing fast enough to guarantee the interest-rate cuts President Biden had hoped to see , so his message is evolving as he casts Trump and Republicans as uninterested in the actual policy work  of fighting inflation and as barriers to his own proposals.

The political prediction markets — which allow traders to place bets on the outcome of the November election — show that the presidential race is tight, giving Trump an even chance of winning the election . So far, it appears the market doesn't care either way.

Trump’s penchant for bending the truth has been well documented, but a close study of how he does so reveals a kind of technique to his dishonesty .

Primaries in three Mid-Atlantic House districts will test whether the battle cry of “save democracy” will be enough  even for Democratic voters who have many other concerns.

In Arizona’s crucial Senate race, Ruben Gallego, who has long embraced his progressive background, is striking a moderate tone .

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2024 Minnesota Crucible Prize Results

The winner of the 2024 Crucible Prize stands next to a vertical banner with two other people.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Minnesota Crucible Prize, sponsored by Navjot Singh (PhD ChE ’94) and Nithya Iyer Singh (MS Pharmaceutics ’94). The Minnesota Crucible Prize competition invited participants to present a 10-minute pitch followed by five minutes of Q&A to a panel of two commercialization experts. The top three teams were awarded prizes of $2,000, $500, and $250.

This year's winner is CEMS graduate student Emmanuel Onuoha with his pitch for "Renewable Ammonia Production," which enables the production of ammonia onsite at a small scale with zero carbon emissions.

Congratulations to all the finalists. Below are listed the top 3 teams along with an honorable mention.

1st Place: Emmanuel Onuoha with "Renewable Ammonia Production" "Our product technology enables the production of ammonia onsite at small scale with zero carbon emissions. Due to a growing global demand for food and clean energy, this alternative path to ammonia production is unique and better suited for sustainable synthesis of this important chemical for farmers for onsite fertilizer and fuel, as well as onsite renewable energy storage and production for industrial or housing complexes. Our technology utilizes renewables like wind or solar resources for energy supply while water and air will serve as sources for raw materials for our process. This method is preferred because it does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and has a higher energy and cost efficiency compared with traditional processes for making this commodity chemical. It can also be deployed at the site of demand, which is an additional advantage as it eliminates transportation costs for the end user. For example, this process can be installed on a farm or owned by an apartment complex."

2nd Place: Colin Wadsworth, Yukai Shi, and Jayamathangi Srinivasan with "SSW Advanced Films & Coatings" The technology that we aim to commercialize is “Environmentally-friendly, enzymatic anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coating”. Resistance to corrosion, stains and bacteria is a topic of common interest in both industry and medical fields. Among them, bacteria are our worst enemies: For steel structures that are submerged underwater, bacteria can form biofilms that greatly accelerate the corrosion. In healthcare, pathogenic bacteria can attach to contaminated surfaces or medical devices, leading to infections. Currently, commonly used anti-fouling and antimicrobial coatings include heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Ag), or bactericidal compounds. However, they are all toxic and have an impact on the environment. Therefore, our company aims to commercialize an enzyme-based, eco-friendly, anti-fouling coating. This coating consists of the engineered version of an enzyme called lactonase, which degrades an essential molecule secreted by bacteria for biofilm formation. This technology can be used not only as coatings in major components of infrastructure prone to bio-corrosion, but also as an antimicrobial agent or cleaner in daily life.

3rd Place: Aratrika Ghose with "On Track" Our easy-to-use, fast-setting material takes less than 30 minutes to dry up on a day that’s 55 degrees or higher, resulting in shorter traffic diversions and closure for repair work. It has also been tested to last twice as long as ordinary patches. Our formula uses tactonite tailings, which is a mining pollutant currently disposed of in large waterbodies. As a result, it can be obtained at low prices and is completely free of cement, which contributes to ~ 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Over 40% of America’s roads are in poor or mediocre condition and the current backlog for road repair is estimated to be $485B. The average motorist pays $1000/yr in wasted time and fuel. Rising temperatures are estimated to add $19B/year to pavement costs by 2040. We want to address this growing concern by offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution to bring us back “On Track” to drive towards a greener future.

Honorable mention: Ayaka Moriyama, Krista Hauseman, and Ananya Sahu with "AKA Innovation" Cooking traditional meat comes with concerns regarding food safety, perishability, and intensive meal preparation. Our company aims to commercialize ReadyGo Crumbles—an instant, plant-based protein packet that can be rehydrated to resemble ground meat and flavored to create a quick, easy meal. ReadyGo Crumbles comes in a package containing textured pea protein, along with flavoring packets containing sauces and/or spice blends. Textured pea protein (TPP) can be manufactured via extrusion, and subsequent rehydration imparts texture and chew to the protein, allowing for “crumbles” with the shape and appearance of ground beef and pork. ReadyGo Crumbles will be sold in its dry form, and consumers can add hot water and the accompanying flavor packet to prepare a protein dish in approximately five minutes, without the need for any cooking facilities or tools. The final protein dish can be eaten alone, or combined with any carbohydrate or vegetable, for a more complete, balanced meal. Compared with traditional meats, ReadyGo Crumbles is shelf-stable and easy to prepare, minimizing the time and effort needed to cook meals. Further, this product is sustainable, reducing the carbon footprint associated with meat consumption, and eliminating issues associated with meat storage and safety. Given that our primary value proposition is convenience, we aim to market towards busy college students, commuters, and adults on-the-go.

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COMMENTS

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