The Department has research strengths in the areas of Integrative Biology (EEOB) including ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Microbiology, developmental biology and computational biology (modeling and bioinformatics); Molecular and Cell Biology (MCDB) including genetics, cancer biology, and cell and developmental biology; Plant Biology including molecular biology and genetics, developmental biology, cellular/physiological/ecological responses to the environment. The links above provide more information about these areas. Students working within these programs become trained for careers in research, teaching, and scientific leadership. Within these programs, students conduct original research under the direction of a research mentor, and are expected to publish their results in scientific journals and to present their research accomplishments at scientific meetings. Students are strongly encouraged to broaden their experience by attending our frequent seminars given by visiting scientists, by attending national and international meetings, and by participating in workshops and/or visiting laboratories at other universities or research sites.
   We are committed to the goal that our students become excellent scientists and scientific educators. On entry into the program, students embark on an educational experience, developing a basic knowledge intended to empower each to develop a strong, inquiry based research program. Each student is guided in this journey by a research mentor, a dissertation committee and the department at large to ensure their success. The Department represents many disciplines, and to accommodate this diversity, the respective graduate training programs are designed to tailor each student's educational experience. Each program has its own educational guide; the choice of program is up to each student, with input provided from their research mentor and dissertation committee.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty with whom they might be interested in studying.