Experimental Pathology Graduate Program

Graduate Training in Experimental Pathology

It takes approximately five years to obtain a doctoral degree in Experimental Pathology. The primary activities that engage students during Years 1-5 are outlined below:

Year 1.

Laboratory Research Rotations. During the first year, students conduct a series of three rotations in the laboratories of various faculty members in our program. The goal of these research rotations is to familiarize students with the specific scientific questions and techniques utilized in various laboratories to aid them in choosing a laboratory within which to conduct their doctoral research. Details on faculty research interests can be found in the program faculty section of this brochure. Students are encouraged to contact the faculty members to inquire about training opportunities that may be available.

Year 2.

Students complete EPGP course of study and a qualifying examination process that includes both written and oral qualifying examination components according to guidelines created by the Student Evaluation and Advisory Committee (SEAC). Upon passing the qualifying examination, students begin developing their dissertation projects in order to advance to doctoral candidacy early in their third year. Second year students also participate in the weekly Experimental Pathology Work in Progress (WIP) (PATH 6115) and are required to give an introductory seminar (30 minutes) on their current research. The WIP seminars are attended by faculty, students, post-doctoral trainees and others, who provide input and suggestions to help trainees improve their project and presentation skills. EPGP students are also expected to attend other campus seminars including Frontiers of Infectious Diseases (PATH 6145).

Year 3.

Students are heavily involved in their research and other activities including journal clubs and research in progress presentations. In the first term, students must divide their time between laboratory research and drafting a dissertation proposal that they will defend orally in order to formally advance to doctoral candidacy by the end of the spring term (May). Primary direction and day-to-day guidance is provided by the mentor. Students are also drafting proposals to apply for extramural and intramural support. Students may attend local, national, and international scientific meetings to present their research findings.

Year 4.

Students are heavily involved in their laboratory research and other activities including research in progress presentations. Semiannual meetings with the Supervisory Committee to update research progress are required and final project revisions are approved by their Supervisory Committee. Students typically present their research findings at regional, national, and international scientific meetings and consider the final stages of research leading to their dissertation defense.

Year 5.

In the first term, students are completing laboratory experiments, writing and submitting scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and drafting their dissertation. They attend local, national, and international scientific meetings to present research findings and network to identify potential postdoctoral training opportunities. The doctoral studies culminate on dissertation defense day when the trainee orally presents and defends their research in public and private forums. If the Supervisory Committee is satisfied and all course requirements have been fulfilled, the dissertation is approved, the student is awarded the PhD degree.

The Department of Pathology Annual Trainee Research Day has been held annually since 1995 and provides an opportunity for all faculty, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows to meet and present their latest research at a poster session forum. Other activities include Researcher of the Year award and presentation during lunch, monetary awards for best poster presentations (sponsored by faculty, the Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Institute for Human Infections & Immunity and the George Dock Scholarship fund), and the Graduate Student Organization recognition of faculty for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring.