Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

As evidenced by the following comments, our students find their graduate research experience and lifestyle very satisfying. Feel free to email any of these students - they are all willing to candidly answer any questions from prospective students and help in the transition to graduate school.

Jennifer Crawford: "... the island is gorgeous ... the weather is amazing."

The first thing that I noticed about UTMB when I came down for the interview was that the island is gorgeous and the weather is amazing. During that time I discovered that the program here is interdisciplinary. They weren't planning on stuffing me in a departmental closet as soon as I got off the plane. I would have the opportunity to meet all of my first year class mates whether they were interested in viral pathogenesis, DNA repair, structural biology, human nutrition or toxicology. Most importantly the atmosphere at the school and on the island as a whole is a friendly one. UTMB is competitive, not cut throat. My undergraduate professor knew of the programs available here at the university and said that they were well respected in the scientific community. Added to that is the low cost of living and large amount of funding received by the university. One can actually manage to live off the stipend.

My first year here has flown by and I've come to appreciate all of these facets of my education at UTMB even more. The faculty takes the time to learn individual student names. I've made some wonderful friends and it never fails to amaze me when I think of the diverse backgrounds from which my classmates have come. Some of us have completed masters, been educators, worked in industry and research labs or completed medical degrees. While the pace and demands of classes and lab work can be large at times it was not unanticipated. However, I can't imagine enjoying myself during work and play more than here in Galveston.

Venkat Mathura: "I find it amazing to see how the feedback system works and the commitment of the university to improve graduate education"

Graduate education at a medical school offers the distinct advantage of inter-disciplinary training at the cutting edge of biomedical oriented research. I selected UTMB because it is well known to offer an environment that supports and challenges the ideas and expectations of its students. UTMB has one of the best faculty to student ratios, with highly funded laboratories competing to make you a part of their research. Graduate students have the option to teach or focus fully on their research. The duration required to complete the PhD program is well below the national average. Being at UTMB for the past four years, I find it amazing to see how the feedback system works and the commitment of the institute to improve graduate education. As a part of graduate program, the school offers students an elective to earn a Certificate in Advanced Management. This option which definitely fascinated me as I want to work bridging research and management in the corporate environment.

Craig Bush: "... a choice I haven't regretted."

I entered UTMB's graduate program under slightly different circumstances than most students. My first position at UTMB was a software developer under the direction of Dr. Bruce Luxon and his fledgling bioinformatics core laboratory. It was my first time working in an academic environment and I happily excelled. Dr. Luxon encouraged me to continue my training by entering graduate school and explore research in the emerging fields of computational and systems biology. It proved to be a choice I haven't regretted.

Within the first year of my studies, I've supplemented my training in the physical sciences with core classes in advanced biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology/genetics. The core curriculum allowed me to rotated through various laboratories and learn how others are approaching problems in the field. To be honest, I initially thought my lack of experience in biology would be a hindrance. However, it has proven to be an asset to the variety of research and interdisciplinary collaborations that are carried on by the B&MB faculty. I believe with UTMB I have found my diamond in the rough.

Payal Sheth: "...there's no other place I would rather be for my graduate studies."

Straight from Mumbai, India to Galveston was a big leap for me, not that taking up daunting tasks intimidates me, but this one especially was. I had acquired my BE in Chemical Engineering - a field completely different from Basic Biology. I arrived at UTMB with mixed feelings. Should I have chosen a different major? Will I be able to cope up?

Now that I have finished a year at UTMB, I can confidently say I don't regret any decisions whatsoever. I got training in all the areas of my deficit. Equipped with all the necessary coursework, I am all set to choose my mentor. So far all the rotations I did were in the B&MB department. The mentors for my rotations have been very approachable and helpful, and honest which I think is very important. In short, there's no other place I would rather be for my graduate studies.

Lu Chen: "... my research experience here is as good as it could get."

Moving to coastal Texas from Shanghai, China was a totally new experience for me. Imagine landing on the moon, opening the hatch door and hearing the alien say to you, "Howdy, man!" However, since the landing my time at UTMB has been fantastic. I've discovered a wonderful lab and mentor to work with, a new culture and environment to enjoy, and a great group of friends to have fun with. I think my research experience here is as good as it could get. My lab is very well funded and manned. The extra money has allowed my mentor, Dr. Thompson, and myself to travel to conferences in San Francisco, China, and New England. I don't think I would want to be anywhere else right now.

Raghavendran. K. S.: "... wonderful facilites which can be compared to any of the best schools in the country."

I came to UTMB because of the research work in the field of Structural Biology and the wonderful facilites for the same which can be compared to any of the best schools in the country. Also because of the program (BSCB) which is very flexible and allows you to work with any of other researh faculty at UTMB if you are intersted. The wonderful faculty have excellent knowledge of the subject and also after coming here I have realized that they are very helpful and will surely help to get what you want and help you reach your goals.