phd medical biology

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Discover the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Ph.d. program, ph.d. program overview.

At Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, you’ll discover a unique research training environment of academic inquiry and scientific discovery, combined with exceptional intellectual and technological resources designed to help you achieve your highest scientific career goals.

Through the Ph.D. program, you’ll acquire a broad expertise in biomedical science with the opportunity to go deeper into your primary area of research interest.

year average time to degree

Best graduate school rankings

a top school for biological sciences as ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship

includes full tuition, stipend, and benefits

Whether you’re preparing for graduate school or applying now, the Mayo Clinic experience for biomedical science Ph.D. students is different.

Program highlights:

• Research training by leading investigators in fields ranging from molecules to populations, all in the context of exceptional health care.
• Embedded within a top academic medical center, you’ll have access to clinical data from more than 6 million patient histories.
• A Career Development Internship program where senior students experience networking opportunities in career settings different from those of their research mentors.
• A national destination for research training of students from backgrounds underrepresented in science. Mayo’s NIH-funded IMSD is more than two decades old, and Mayo invented the NIH PREP concept.
• Join about 250 students who have access to 300+ faculty members in small class sizes.
• 87% of graduates since 1989 are employed in academia or industry.
• Three campuses in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona with diverse research opportunities.
• Every student is awarded a fellowship for five years that fully covers tuition.
• Ph.D. students receive a stipend and health benefits.

See yourself here

Hear from students and faculty to get an idea of what it's like to learn here, live here, and be a Ph.D. student at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.

"I can be the scientist I want to be"

Choosing your area of specialization.

You'll choose from one of eight  biomedical science specialty tracks within our Ph.D. Program. Track choice is indicated during the application process and confirmed after admission. But you'll be able to do research and learn in any Mayo laboratory that interests you, even if it's not within your track.

Perspectives on our Ph.D. Program

"Collaboration is massive here"

Collaborative research and learning environment

The hallmark of research at Mayo Clinic is the highly collaborative interaction that occurs between investigators in basic science and clinical areas. While each investigator has a competitively funded independent lab, collaboration with graduate students and staff across the institution is common. As a Ph.D. student, you’re free to select any Mayo mentor, regardless of which track you choose.

"Allowed me to build my own team"

Teaching opportunities

Tutoring and teaching opportunities are available and optional for our Ph.D. students. If you’re interested in developing these skills, serving as a tutor or a teaching assistant can help cement the knowledge you gain from your coursework.

Application window

Apply between Sept. 1 and Dec. 4 for the following academic year.

To get in touch with the Ph.D. Program, fill out the form on the Contact Us page .

Ph.D. and master's degree program catalog (2024-2025), rev. 6-13-24

Virtual visits

Explore our virtual visit options or sign up for a video chat to get a personalized look at our program.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) is an area of study within the Division of Medical Sciences, a unit based at Harvard Medical School that coordinates biomedical Ph.D. activities at the Longwood Medical Area. The Ph.D. Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) offers training in the biosciences, built outward from core training in contemporary genetics, biochemistry, and molecular, cellular, and mechanistic biology. BBS provides a rigorous, nimble biomedical education, equipping trainees with tools to bring about scientific breakthroughs and to launch entrepreneurial paths in academics, industry, and education.

PhD Programs

Bcmb allied program.

The  Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology  and  Molecular Biology  graduate programs at Weill Cornell Graduate School are collectively known as the  BCMB Allied program . Students may affiliate with any of the three programs, however they are initially admitted to, and remain members of, the BCMB Allied program overall.

Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis

Draws together a diverse faculty who seek to understand how the immune system works both as a unique entity as well as an integral part of higher organisms.

Neuroscience

Development and function of the nervous system is a unifying theme of the program. Students interact closely with faculty studying the nervous system from a wide variety of scientific disciplines.

Pharmacology

The Pharmacology PhD program at Weill Cornell Graduate School (WCGS) is unique in that it trains students in the scientific foundations that underlie modern pharmacology.

Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology

Educating students through research in current and innovative aspects of three synergistic components at the forefront of biomedical sciences: physiology, biophysics and systems.

• PBSB Program at Houston Methodist Academic Institute

Population Health Sciences

Population Health Sciences prepares students to be leading researchers in population health sciences: an emerging interdisciplinary scientific field that aims to improve population health by addressing the multiple determinants of health and health disparities across populations and seeks to improve healthcare delivery.  

Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1300 York Ave. Box 65 New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6565 Fax: (212) 746-8906

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Training the next generation of cancer researchers

Program Overview

The Cancer Biology program spans many disciplines, including cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, and immunology, to name a few. It represents a unique set of training and educational activities that, taken collectively, expose the student to the full breadth of cancer biology while allowing immersion in a specific dissertation topic of the student’s choice.

Faculty in the Program are interested in a number of topic areas, including: Cancer genetics; Cancer epigenetics; Tumor immunology; Cell biology; Epidemiology; Pathology; Tumor metabolism; Bioinformatics; Cancer drug discovery.

Projects range from fundamental studies of basic biological processes to translational research aiming to move basic findings into the clinic.

Apply through our PIBS application

Students in the Cancer Biology program are required to take core courses in Cancer Biology and Bioinformatics. PIBS core courses should be taken to fill gaps in knowledge or together with other electives, to strengthen a student’s knowledge base in an area of interest. Students are also required to participate in the Cancer Biology Seminar Series for the duration of their time in the program. The Cancer Biology Seminar Series course provides not only continued exposure to the breadth of cancer research but also experience in honing seminar presentation skills.

Preliminary Examination

The preliminary exam consists of two checkpoints. The first is a didactic exam that evaluates students’ understanding of the fundamentals of cancer biology. This exam will take place in May at the end of the first year in order to advance to PhD candidacy. The second checkpoint takes place in the winter semester of the second year and is comprised of two steps, the writing of a written research proposal (NIH format) and the oral presentation of the proposal to the preliminary exam committee.

Teaching Requirement

There are no formal requirements for teaching in the Cancer Biology program. However, opportunities exist for senior students to serve as teaching assistants for one term of the introductory cancer biology class. In addition, students with an interest in teaching are encouraged to pursue the U-M Graduate Teaching Certificate as a way to prepare themselves for careers that will involve college-level teaching.

Students help organize the annual Cancer Biology retreat, including selecting the keynote speaker. This fun and informal setting gives students, postdocs, and faculty the opportunity to present their research, generate collaborations, and receive feedback. Trainees and faculty give oral presentations and all members of our cancer research community are invited to deliver poster presentations. The retreat is a great opportunity for first year PIBS and MSTP students to explore the research and meet students and faculty in the Cancer Biology program.

Research Seminar/Journal Club

The Cancer Biology Graduate Program sponsors a weekly seminar program that runs through the academic year. Students are encouraged to nominate and host external cancer researchers whose work they find exciting and cutting edge. Senior students participate by giving oral presentations on their research progress and second year students give journal clubs highlighting the research of invited speakers.

Social Events

During the summer, students get together for a picnic and canoe trip that includes the summer undergraduate research students. At the beginning of the academic year, the program director hosts an orientation dinner for all to welcome the new students. There is an annual year-end holiday party along with monthly happy hours for students to relax in an informal setting.

Extracurricular

Students are involved in a variety of activities outside of lab. Many students give back to the community through educational and community outreach programs. Cancer Biology students have fun by attending sporting events, participating in outdoor activities, club sports, and arts/crafts events, and enjoying food/drink and museums – all which Ann Arbor offers.

The impact of cancer on all our lives emphasizes the need to continue training individuals to pursue research into its cure and prevention. The ongoing investment of the National Cancer Institute and non-governmental funding organizations including the American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and others, means that research at universities and research institutes will remain a high priority, thereby providing jobs for cancer researchers with doctoral degrees. The complexity of cancer leads to the unfortunate realization that it will take many years to unlock all of its mysteries, resulting in a long-term need for persons trained in the field.

Besides the tremendous investment in basic cancer research at universities and non-profit organizations, the development of new therapeutic modalities for cancer represents a large percentage of pharmaceutical company expenditures. According to IMS Health, the global oncology market was growing at 6.8% overall in 2011, double that number in the pharmaceutical sector. In 2013, the worth of the market was approximately $75 billion just in the US. Given this huge investment in cancer research, the job market for individuals with doctoral degrees in cancer biology is very large and growing.

Learn more about the Department of Cancer Biology.

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Graduate Programs

Biomed: molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.

The graduate program in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental program that offers students excellent preparation for a career that includes research in biological and medical sciences.

The mission of the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry Graduate Program (MCBGP) is to build and sustain an equitable and inclusive training environment in which a diverse group of PhD students will successfully gain quantitative, conceptual, technical, and professional skills that will allow them to conduct the rigorous and reproducible research demanded by interdisciplinary life science. Our goal is to make fundamental contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for cellular, organ, and organismal function. We apply our findings to detect and treat human disease and to many other challenges that biotechnology can address.

The MCBGP draws faculty trainers from five departments within the Program in Biology (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology and Biotechnology; and Neuroscience), four departments within the Warren Alpert Medical School (Medicine; Pathology; Orthopaedics and Pediatrics), and from the Chemistry, Computer Science and Applied Mathematics departments.

During their first two years in the program, students engage in training activities designed to build research and professional skills. During the first year, advising is overseen by the program leadership, which includes a director, an assistant director, and a director for inclusion and diversity. Students complete three laboratory rotations and then join a thesis lab and begin to work with their primary advisor at the end of the first year. Thesis advisors are  committed to effectively mentoring graduate students and provide opportunities for students to initiate, conduct, interpret, and present research with increasing self-direction.

Additional Resources

MCBGP students have access to excellent core facilities that provide training and support in the areas of bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, imaging, and genetic analysis of model organisms.

Application Information

Application requirements, gre subject:.

Not required

GRE General:

Dates/deadlines, application deadline, completion requirements.

Proficiency in core areas of biochemistry, cellular biology, developmental biology, and molecular genetics through a common first semester core course and seminars that develop breadth in areas such as gene structure and expression, signal transduction, virology, biology of aging, epigenetics, genomics, structural biology, RNA metabolism, protein folding and function, cancer biology, and developmental biology; one semester of teaching; research seminars and rotations in three different laboratories leading to a potential thesis project.

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Contact and Location

Department of molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry, mailing address.

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• Education /
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• Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences (IDP) /
• Cell and Developmental Biology PhD Program

Cell & Developmental Biology (PhD) Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Message From the Director

Associate Professor of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, & Anatomy Director, Graduate Program in Cell & Developmental Biology

[email protected] (414) 955-4289

The Graduate Program in Cell & Developmental Biology provides outstanding doctoral level training in research to understand the fundamental unit of life, the cell. Research groups in CDB study diverse aspects of cellular science including regulation of cellular differentiation, the molecular basis of regeneration, how neurons sense their environment, the intricacies of signal transduction, and the mechanisms of disease pathology. The Faculty of CDB are committed to excellence in research, education, and career development. We are very proud of our students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff who provide the foundation of a very strong scholarly culture. Please consider joining us – it is such an exciting time to be a cell biologist!

Cell and Developmental Biology

About the program, current students, tuition and fees.

The Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology  (PDF) provides doctoral research training in cell and developmental biology and the neurosciences . Students are prepared through formal coursework, independent readings, seminars, journal clubs and faculty-supervised research for careers of scientific research in academia and industry.

Our current research strengths are in cellular and molecular mechanisms in developmental biology and neurobiology which employ genetic approaches offered by mice, zebrafish and stem cells. The developmental biology focus is on differentiation and specification in heart, liver, muscle and the nervous system. The neuroscience strengths include pain mechanisms, circadian rhythms, mitochondrial gene expression, color vision, sleep, muscle atrophy, and neuronal development and plasticity.

Our departmental and institutional facilities offer state-of-the art equipment for molecular-to-organism approaches to research problems and hands-on experience with modern cutting-edge technology, including automated protein and DNA sequencing. An imaging core and an electron microscopy service facility offer laser confocal microscopy and high resolution transmission imaging. The College supports medical imaging facilities equipped for scanning brain function (fMRI).

Find out more about the Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy students.

Those interested in pursuing education and research within the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy should pursue admission through either the Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences (IDP)  and/or Neuroscience Doctoral Program (NDP)  as well as the Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD) .

A Bachelor’s degree (either completed or in the process of completing) is required for admission to any MCW graduate program. Applicants will ideally have a 3.0 or higher grade point average (GPA). Personal statements and letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, and research supervisors. who know you well are highly regarded in the admission process. Prior research experience is also strongly considered.

The MCW Graduate School operates on a rolling admissions basis. However, applications accepted by the priority application deadline of December 15 th will receive first priority for admission the following Fall. Students are admitted once per year.

If you have questions regarding tuition or your account, please contact the Office of Student Accounts, at (414) 955-8172 or  [email protected] . Please refer to the  All Student Handbook  (PDF) for tuition payment policies and information.

• Tuition and Fees Schedule  (PDF)
• View your Tuition Statement  (login required)

PhD Students All full-time PhD degree-seeking students in good academic and professional standing receive the following financial support package:

• Full tuition coverage
• Yearly stipend ($33,612 for the '23-'24 academic year)
• Complimentary health insurance

There is no additional process to secure this package aside from accepting an offer of admission. Further, this package is guaranteed from the time of enrollment through completion of degree requirements.

Current MCW Employees Tuition Course Approval Form - Human Resources  (PDF)

Late Fees There is a $250 late payment fee for tuition not paid on time according to the Tuition Payments policy in the All Student Handbook.

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Forms (Documents)

Preparing for Graduation

Depending on your degree and program within MCW’s Graduate School, there will be several forms that you will need to complete in preparation for earning your degree. Here you will find information on the steps you need to complete before you will be awarded your PhD, Master degree, or graduate certificate from MCW.

Documents for Cell and Developmental Biology Graduate Program

• Guide for PhD program  (PDF)
• External Course Approval (PDF)
• Petition to Waive two First Author Paper (PDF)
• Masters degree requirements  (PDF)
• NIH training grant CDB program info 2023  (PDF)
• CDB Committee Meeting Summary and Development Plan (PDF)
• CDB Travel Policies (PDF)

PhD and Master's Degree Forms

Graduate School Suite H2200 8701 Watertown Plank Rd. Milwaukee, WI 53226

Department of Molecular Biology

M.D./Ph.D. Program

The Graduate School and the Department of Molecular Biology have partnered with The Rutgers University (New Brunswick/Piscataway) and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) to serve as a Ph.D. research training site for students enrolled in the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Princeton University MD/PhD program.

Students admitted to the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Princeton University MD/PhD program perform laboratory rotations at Princeton during the summer before and the summer after the first year of the pre-clinical portion of the program, prior to their enrollment as doctoral students, and subject to the approval of a Princeton faculty member. Following the second rotation, a student chooses a laboratory for his or her Ph.D. research by mutual agreement with a faculty adviser and with the approval of the Graduate School.

Students who are accepted to work with a faculty member or an affiliated faculty member of the Department of Molecular Biology enter the Ph.D. program and receive that degree from Princeton. These students fulfill Graduate School and departmental requirements, including the one-year residence requirement and passing the general and final public oral examinations. (It is likely that pre-clinical course work at Rutgers/RWJMS will substitute for the department's core curriculum.)

M.D./Ph.D Program Links

Biological Sciences

• Mellon College of Science

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences

The mission of the Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences is to train new generations of scientific leaders who make significant and distinctive contributions to society. The department has established a broad range of resources to enable the students to define and achieve their personal mission. With this broad goal in mind, our specific objectives are to mentor students to:

Become contributing, impactful members of their discipline. This requires:

• Being familiar with literature and history of the field
• Understanding how the discipline has evolved and where it is headed
• Identifying novel and important questions
• Identifying desired personal impact on the field.
• Mastering approaches and techniques
• Appreciating the impact of the discipline on a broader community
• Establishing visible profile in the field

Develop professional skills in :

• Scientific writing (papers, proposals, traditional and social media)
• Oral presentation
• Team management (including interdisciplinary teams)
• Communication, networking, connecting with community of researchers & science professionals
• Time management, life/work balance

Establish career development plans through :

• Establishing sense of scholarly citizenship
• Knowing the types of careers paths following from Ph.D. training
• Developing personal career goals
• Appreciating skills required to achieve career goals and how to align personal training with these goals 

Ph.D. Student Research Videos

Emily simon (linstedt lab), andrew wolff (hinman lab).

• Online Application

" CMU provides an innovative environment, where technology meets deep scientific thinking. I received constant guidance both for my research projects and career path. I had the opportunity to explore different areas and expand my imagination about what is possible to discover in biology, by taking selective courses and consulting faculty with a broad range of expertise. Through presenting at international conferences, I established scientific collaborations, which lead to significant findings and publications, one of which is in the highly regarded journal  Nature . A key perk of being a part of the Department of Biological Sciences is the alumni network of CMU, which consists of overachieving and fearless individuals. As a recent hire of a company started by two CMU alumni, I am excited to continue my pursuit of discovering the unknown and challenging the current limits of experimental sciences ."

" One of the characteristics of CMU that I particularly loved was the extensive levels of collaborations between research groups, even from seemingly unrelated fields. Such exquisite collaborations often further the frontiers of research and being a graduate student at CMU allowed me to lead and be a part of such high quality research. This is primarily due to the excellent faculty at CMU who are always interested in exploring new ideas and are very approachable which gave me immense encouragement  ..... Pittsburgh also provided ample opportunities to pursue my varied hobbies, be it art and music or skiing and rock climbing. This was particularly important for me as it provided a way to switch off from research and rejuvenate. "

" As a prospective student in neuroscience, most of the graduate programs I applied to were neuroscience only programs. One of the biggest reasons I am so glad I chose the Biological Sciences graduate program at CMU, is because I not only gained access to excellent training in the field of neuroscience, but I was surrounded by faculty, post-docs, and other graduate students from many other disciplines. This provided me with different perspectives on my research and enabled me to have access to, learn, and incorporate a variety of techniques from different fields during my graduate experience. It also provided me with experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team, which is a very important part of my job now as I work closely with faculty from mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. "

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MCOM Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs

Quick links, phd in medical sciences concentrations, pathology & cell biology.

The curriculum for the PhD in Medical Sciences can be found in the Graduate Catalog. A sample of courses offered within the Pathology & Cell Biology concentration is listed below.  

• Pathology of Human Cancer
• Basic Medical Histology
• Basic Medical Anatomy
• Cancer Biology
• Basic Medical Pathology
• Biochemical Pathology
• Forensic Pathology
• Advanced Neuroanatomy

Graduate Catalog  

Faculty & Research

Current research interests include: .

• Angiogenesis 
• Brain Cancer 
• Cancer Biomarkers
• Cancer Pathobiology
• Tumor Immunology
• Women’s Cancers
• Neurobiology
• Genitourinary Oncology

Learn more about our faculty, students, and their research interests below. 

Current Faculty & Students   

Affiliated Institutes & Facilities

James A. Haley Veterans Hospital H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center 

Concentration Spotlights

Saulius Sumanas uses versatile fish model system to study how regulation of gene activity affects blood vessel growth

Yin Q, Han T, Fang B, Zhang G, Zhang C, Roberts ER, Izumi V, Zheng M, Jiang S, Yin X, Kim M, Cai J, Haura EB, Koomen JM, Smalley KSM, Wan L. K27-linked ubiquitination of BRAF by ITCH engages cytokine response to maintain MEK-ERK signaling . Nat Commun. 2019 Apr 23;10(1):1870. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-09844-0. PMID: 31015455; PMCID: PMC6478693.

More Information

For information about the Medical Sciences PhD Program, contact 813-974-2836 or [email protected] .

Please note, students do not apply directly to a concentration. Interested students should submit an application for the PhD in Medical Sciences. Concentrations are typically selected during the first year of study. 

Cole P. Anderson, PhD

Academic office information.

[email protected]

Dr. Cole Anderson grew up in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Sam Houston State University with a BS in Biology in 2010, and earned his PhD in Oncological Sciences from the University of Utah in 2016. His PhD work focused on the mechanisms of cellular iron homeostasis. Since 2018, Cole has served as a US Army microbiologist at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He is an avid cyclist and skier, and looks forward to rekindling relationships with friends and family in Utah.  

Christine Hann , MD , PhD

Medical oncology.

• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

4.9 of 5 stars

14 insurances accepted, primary academic title.

Associate Professor of Oncology

Christine L Hann, completed her MD and Ph.D. at Jefferson Medical College/Thomas Jefferson University  follwed by an internal medicine residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Following a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Hematology and Oncology, Dr. Hann joined the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center as a member of the Upper Aerodigestive Cancer Program and sees patients with non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.

Dr. Hann's research focus is on developing novel therapeutics for lung cancer, particularly small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) such as carcinoid tumors of the lung. As a faculty member she is involved in both clinical and laboratory research.

Specific research projects include:

1) Studying mechanisms of resistant to small molecule inhibitors of the antiapoptotic protein, BCL-2 using patient-derived xenograft models. Her preclinical work has led to an NCI-sponsored Phase 1/2 clinical trial combining a BCL-2 inhibitor with a TORC1/2 inhibitors which is currently underway (NCT03366103).

2) Preclinical evaluation of various therapeutics including epigenetic modulators (LSD1 inhibitors) and nanoliposome chemotherapy in SCLC PDXs;

3) Modeling and characterizing chemoradiotherapy resistance in preclinical models of SCLC. She, along with Dr. Luigi Marchionni in Biostatistics and Dr. Phuoc Tran in the Department of Radiation Oncology, were recently awarded a 5-year NCI-sponsored U01 grant to study mechanisms of chemoradiation resistance in SCLC. 

Dr. Hann is PI of several trials in SCLC and NSCLC and is leading investigator-initiated clinical trials in SCLC and NETs.

Centers and Institutes

Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Clinical Trial Keywords

lung cancer

• The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center's Lung Cancer Multidisciplinary Clinic
• Meet Christine Hann, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Interests

New drug development for lung cancer, Small cell and non-small cell lung cancer

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=hann%2C+christine+%5Bauthor%5D

Selected Publications

Belani CP, Dahlberg SE, Rudin CM, Fleisher M, Chen HX, Takebe N, Velasco MR Jr, Tester WJ, Sturtz K, Hann CL, Shanks JC, Monga M, Ramalingam SS, Schiller JH. Vismodegib or cixutumumab in combination with standard chemotherapy for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (E1508). Cancer . 2016 May 10. doi: 10.1002/cncr.30062. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 27163943

Bunn PA Jr, Minna JD, Augustyn A, Gazdar AF, Ouadah Y, Krasnow MA, Berns A, Brambilla E, Rekhtman N, Massion PP, Niederst M, Peifer M, Yokota J, Govindan R, Poirier JT, Byers LA, Wynes MW, McFadden DG, MacPherson D, Hann CL, Farago AF, Dive C, Teicher BA, Peacock CD, Johnson JE, Cobb MH, Wendel HG, Spigel D, Sage J, Yang P, Pietanza MC, Krug LM, Heymach J, Ujhazy P, Zhou C, Goto K, Dowlati A, Christensen CL, Park K, Einhorn LH, Edelman MJ, Giaccone G, Gerber DE, Salgia R, Owonikoko T, Malik S, Karachaliou N, Gandara DR, Slotman BJ, Blackhall F, Goss G, Thomas R, Rudin CM, Hirsch FR. Small Cell Lung Cancer: Can Recent Advances in Biology and Molecular Biology Be Translated into Improved Outcomes? J Thorac Oncol . 2016 Apr;11(4):453-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jtho.2016.01.012. Epub 2016 Jan 30. Review. No abstract available. PMID: 26829312

MacDiarmid JA, Langova V, Bailey D, Pattison ST, Pattison SL, Christensen N, Armstrong LR, Brahmbhatt VN, Smolarczyk K, Harrison MT, Costa M, Mugridge NB, Sedliarou I, Grimes NA, Kiss DL, Stillman B, Hann CL, Gallia GL, Graham RM, Brahmbhatt H. Targeted Doxorubicin Delivery to Brain Tumors via Minicells: Proof of Principle Using Dogs with Spontaneously Occurring Tumors as a Model. PLoS One . 2016 Apr 6;11(4):e0151832. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151832. eCollection 2016. PMID: 27050167

Rudin CM, Ismaila N, Hann CL, Malhotra N, Movsas B, Norris K, Pietanza MC, Ramalingam SS, Turrisi AT 3rd, Giaccone G. Treatment of Small-Cell Lung Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Endorsement of the American College of Chest Physicians Guideline. J Clin Oncol . 2015 Dec 1;33(34):4106-11. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2015.63.7918. Epub 2015 Sep 8. PMID: 26351333

Sun H, Luo L, Lal B, Ma X, Chen L, Hann CL, Fulton AM, Leahy DJ, Laterra J, Li M.  A monoclonal antibody against KCNK9 K(+) channel extracellular domain inhibits tumour growth and metastasis. Nat Commun . 2016 Feb 4;7:10339. doi: 10.1038/ncomms10339. PMID: 26842342 

• Young Clinical Scientist Award, Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, 1/1/07
• Pearl M. Stetler Fellowship Award for Women Physicians, Johns Hopkins University, 1/1/06
• Young Investigator Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 1/1/05

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The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Dr.Hann was very attentive and handled all of my issues like I was her only patient .She expressed empathy and concern as well as her wealth of knowledge.

She cared and took the time to explain things

I love Dr Hann. She is a stupendous doctor and I don't think I would be here without her care!

Dr Hann was very professional, not in a cold uncaring way, but very compassionate. She treated you as a human and not just a number. Her compassion and empathy meant so very much. Dr Hann took care of my sister, and the way she took care of her meant everything to the family. I could go on, but I think in a few words I was extremely grateful for the care I received.

Dr. Hann is very caring provider. If an issue arises she addresses it immediately.

Dr. Hann understands my disease and is able to treat it accordingly

She is very professional

Dr Hann is the most caring and kind person.

I was meeting with Dr. Hann for a possible Clinical trial. She is very knowledgable and understanding and I look forward to having her guide me with my trial plan

Spent time explaining options and did not rush the time spent with patient and family. Impressed that doctor will review scans and medical records in detail and have setup face time appointment in 2 weeks. Physician sensitive for distance the patient/family traveled to appointment. Completely understood the reasoning for further review of record details

Good, first visit with her

Dr.Hann was kind,concerned,interested and informative.I have tremendous confidence in her ability to give me the best care possible

Dr. Hann has been very caring and excellent in my cancer treatment

Dr. Christine Hann was excellent! As was her nurse/Dr. Before her.

Dr. Hann was professional, informative and thorough. She provided new treatment options that had not been known to me before that I am grateful for, and she made sure that the follow through coordination went smoothly.

Extremely professional and very thorough when answering questions

Dr Han is the best Dr I ever had .caring and kind too.

I was pleased with her genuine interest in working with me to access the best care.

Very caring and very knowledgeable

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About the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Program

Through a departmental core curriculum as well as research area-specific courses, laboratory rotations, qualifying examinations, mentored research, and professional development, all MMI PhD students are prepared to engage in cutting edge research and scholarship that advances knowledge. MMI PhD students hone their scholarship, research and professional skills. Course and laboratory work can address problems in microbial pathogenesis, immunology, disease transmission, and diseases related to malaria, mosquito and arboviral biology.

Students can choose to complete the traditional MMI PhD program or the MMI PhD program concentration in Rigorous, Reproducible, and Responsible Research Investigation in Immunology & Microbiology (R 3 IM). The concentration in Rigorous, Reproducible, and Responsible Research Investigation in Immunology & Microbiology (R 3 IM) conveys a broad background in immunology and infectious diseases research, with a special emphasis on critical thinking, logic, ethics, and written and oral skills to help graduates become communicators of complex scientific concepts and agents of change in their workplaces and communities.

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Molecular Microbiology And Immunology?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Associate
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• Faculty, Professor
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Curriculum for the PhD in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology

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 .

Current students can view the MMI student handbook on the MMI portal site.

Topic Areas

MMI faculty are recognized experts in a wide variety of infectious diseases research areas, allowing our PhD students to study the biology of disease based on their research interests and career goals. Our PhD students gain a comprehensive understanding of infectious diseases that provides a foundation to launch careers that directly tackle critical public health challenges.  

Topic Areas include: 

• Bacterial pathogenesis
• Cell biology 
• Fungal pathogenesis 
• Malaria 
• Medical entomology/Disease ecology
• Parasite pathogenesis 
• Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice
• Tick-borne diseases
• Vaccine development 
• Vector biology
• Viral pathogenesis

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

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.

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, 2024. VTSI applicants are eligible for an  application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 2024 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the JHU PhD Union, the minimum guaranteed 2025-2026 academic year stipend is $50,000 for all PhD students with a 4% increase the following year. Tuition, fees, and medical benefits are provided, including health insurance premiums for PhD student’s children and spouses of international students, depending on visa type. The minimum stipend and tuition coverage is guaranteed for at least the first four years of a BSPH PhD program; specific amounts and the number of years supported, as well as work expectations related to that stipend will vary across departments and funding source. Please refer to the  CBA to review specific benefits, compensation, and other terms

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a 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. Ashley Choi  Senior Academic Coordinator Alex Kim  Senior Academic Program Coordinator  [email protected]

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Aditi Kothari (PGY5 – second year) Hometown: Rockland County, New York Medical School: USF Morsani College of Medicine-LVHN/SELECT Program Residency: UConn Internal Medicine Rheumatology Interests: general rheumatology, RA, myositis Hobbies: Hiking, travel, watching TV, Costco, spending time with family and friends

Neenu Sukumaran (PGY5 – second year) Hometown: Kerala, India Medical School: Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research institute, Kerala Residency: Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence Rheumatology Interests: General Rheumatology Hobbies: Get back to reading at some point of time!

Johanna Romo-Rodriguez (PGY5 – second year) Hometown: Quito, Ecuador Medical School: University of San Francisco de Quito Residency: University of Connecticut Academic interests: scleroderma, vasculitis, MSK Ultrasound Hobbies: playing the guitar, going to concerts, visiting new places and trying new food

Tara Raj (PGY4 – first year) Hometown - Shrewsbury, MA Medical School- University of Connecticut School of Medicine Residency - UConn Internal Medicine Rheumatology Interests - rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, osteoarthritis Hobbies - spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring new restaurants, watching TV, music

Paola Morocho (PGY4 – first year) Hometown: Queens, NY Medical School: SUNY Upstate medical school Residency: UConn Internal Medicine Rheumatology Interests: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and ultrasound Hobbies: Travel, hiking, foodie, spending quality time with family

Ravinder Kaler (PGY4 – first year) Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia Medical School: Caribbean Medical University Residency: Roger Williams Medical Center - Boston University Prior Fellowship: Geriatric Medicine Roger Williams Medical Center - Boston University Rheumatology Interests: Vasculitis Hobbies: Watching, playing hockey and talking about hockey. Oh! And Lord Nicolas - my miniature poodle.

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The art of the enzyme

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As the mountains and trees of California’s Napa Valley drift past the car window, 6-year-old David Kastner is deep in conversation with his father. The conversation is a familiar one, shifting naturally from gravity to electromagnetism. For as long as he can remember, scientific curiosity has been a key part of his conversations on these drives.

“I remember being fascinated by how complex the universe is and how little people know about it,” recalls Kastner, now a fourth-year PhD student in bioengineering. “I always wanted to uncover new truths about the universe.”

Nearly two decades later, Kastner is now at MIT studying a challenging subset of proteins known as metalloenzymes, in the lab of Heather Kulik, a professor of chemical engineering, and Forest White, a professor of biological engineering. With the same curiosity that sparked those on-the-road discussions with his father, Kastner is motivated by a desire to harness the chemical and medical potential of enzymes through computational and mechanistic approaches.

Kastner’s research aims to uncover the fundamental blueprints of reactivity for enzymes using state-of-the-art computational methods. However, his approach to research involves not just physics, chemistry, and biology, but also art, which has been an integral part of his life since childhood. Kastner produces beautiful 3D illustrations of molecular systems that help make his research more accessible to a wider audience.

“Seeing the science in a way that looks so real that you feel like you can touch it can be more impactful than a bar plot or a histogram,” he says. “If scientists were more invested in showing their work in engaging and interesting ways, then we would have more people involved in science.”

Form and function in equal measure

Kastner’s research has spanned quantum chemistry calculations, protein engineering, bioinformatics, synthetic organic chemistry, and mammalian tissue models. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biophysics at Brigham Young University, and once he began his PhD program at MIT, he decided to zero in on metalloenzymes.

Among metalloenzymes, Kastner has chosen to focus on high-valent metalloenzymes, which contain a highly reactive metal atom that has lost many of its electrons and eagerly reacts to regain them. His personal favorites are non-heme iron enzymes, due to their vast repertoire of chemical reactions, direct applicability to human health, and the tunability of their active sites for engineering novel reactivities.

Giving old enzymes new reactivities isn’t easy, however. His first published paper, authored alongside former members of the Kulik Research Group, showed why.

Kastner’s research explores the mechanistic differences between non-heme iron halogenases and hydroxylases, two classes of high-valent enzymes that activate normally unreactive C–H bonds. By investigating trends across structural databases and molecular dynamics simulations, he identified key interactions that result in subtle differences in the substrate positioning angle, influencing reactivity. Kastner’s computational findings suggest new ways of converting between halogenases and hydroxylases.

While an intuition of an enzyme’s structure can go a long way, sometimes you need to move beyond structure. “As soon as you add a metal into the core of an enzyme, it becomes much more challenging to model,” he says. “It requires unique and cutting-edge tools in order to understand reactivity. That’s why we need quantum chemistry calculations so much in our research.”

Trying to unlock the secrets of nature’s most efficient catalysts requires observations at the sharpest level possible. A given enzyme’s structure and reactivity is determined by the interactions between the electrons it contains, hence the reliance on quantum computing methods.

The importance of viewing the entire enzyme from a quantum mechanical lens came to the forefront of Kastner’s research in his most recent publication. Kastner and his collaborators discovered that the reactivity of a class of miniature artificial metalloenzymes was controlled by changes in dynamic charge distributions, which can be thought of as a way of seeing how electrons and charges fluctuate throughout an enzyme’s structure.

“If you’re interested in how life functions, then it only makes sense to look at enzymes and proteins,” he says. “Enzymes are the machinery that evolution came up with to harness physics and chemistry.”

“I’ve always been interested in that question,” he continues. “How do you get from these purely mathematical underlying physical laws to living, breathing organisms with feelings?”

The art of science

In addition to research, Kastner can be found using 3D graphics programs like Blender and VMD to visualize macromolecular systems and their interactions. His work can be seen on the covers of scientific journals published by  Nature and the  American Chemical Society , but his initial forays into art were far simpler.

“I would draw everything,” he says. “It was the game I would play. I would draw; I would ask my parents to draw for me; I would ask people I would meet, ‘Can you draw this for me?’”

His mother made hyperrealistic art inspired by nature and was the biggest artistic influence on him early on. Kastner described a photorealistic lynx his mother drew with a scratch board hanging at his grandparents’ home that he found particularly inspiring as a child.

He took traditional art quite seriously in high school. He worked with charcoal and oils, winning multiple competitions, but he wasn’t sure how he might apply these skills to his academic interests.

“At that time, I hadn’t realized how to reconcile art and my love of science,” he says. “They still felt so different and no one I talked to tried to combine them at all.”

If he had come of age in late-15th-century Italy, however, that might not have been the case. The Renaissance was defined by figures who didn’t see boundaries between various disciplines, and perhaps none are more enduring than Kastner’s favorite scientist of all time: Leonardo da Vinci.

“It’s pretty incredible that the man who is universally credited as being the grandfather of modern anatomy and physiology is also the same man who painted the ‘Mona Lisa,’” he says. “I feel like the world would be a better place if we had more people like da Vinci who could reconcile the sciences and art.”

In fact, he thinks the erosion of trust in scientists could be eased if that were the case. Peer-reviewed papers are dense and technical because they need to describe complex experiments in a way that makes their results reproducible, but that means the average person probably won’t understand it. That’s where art can help bridge the gap.

“If we communicate our science in ways that connect to ordinary people, I think it will automatically get rid of some of that distrust,” he says. “We need to keep writing papers the way we do; there’s no way around that. However, scientific art can help make this information more accessible. By converting esoteric data into familiar and relatable visuals, researchers can extend an invitation to people of all ages and backgrounds to interact with their science through the universally shared language of art.”

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Dollar$ & $ense August 2024

August 2024, news to know.

2024-2025 FAFSA Update

Boston University has received 2024-2025 FAFSAs. As we navigate through the implementation of FAFSA Simplification and Boston University’s new student information system, we are writing to provide an update on the delays in awarding financial aid for the Fall 2024 semester.

Your fall bill may not include scholarship or aid awards when it is first posted in MyBU Student; generally, and in future semesters, your charges and financial aid should post around the same time.

Fall bills and financial aid will be posted throughout the upcoming weeks . Student Accounting Services is aware of these delays and is adjusting late payment fees as needed.

We thank you for your patience during this time of transition.

PLUS Loan Application

Beginning with the   2024-2025   academic year, students will apply for the   Federal Graduate PLUS loan through StudentAid.gov .   The 2024-2025 Graduate PLUS loan application is   now open . Detailed application instructions and an FAQ are available on the   SFS website .

First time PLUS borrowers and those who have borrowed with an endorser in the past should also complete a   Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Direct PLUS Loans .

Summer 2024  students in   SPH and GMS   are encouraged to submit the PDF version of the   PLUS loan request form   found on the   SFS website   if interested in receiving summer Federal financial aid. Summer PLUS submissions must be made   no l ater than 10 business days before   the end of your summer program.

Information for New Federal Direct Loan Borrowers

First time borrowers at BU also need to complete the   Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans   and   Graduate/Professional Entrance Counseling .

Federal Student Loan Exit Counseling for Graduating Students

Graduating Federal Direct Loan borrowers must complete the Federal StudentLoan Exit Counseling. This can be done electronically at StudentAid.gov .

Students who received institutional loans will receive more information on completing exit counseling through ECSI.

SHIP Confirmation Form & Waiver

BUMC students who plan   to keep   their Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for the   2024-2025 year   and who would like to utilize financial aid to cover this expense should complete the   SHIP Confirmation Form . If you are a federal loan borrower and would like loans to apply directly to the SHIP fee, please also complete the Student Permission Agreement under Financials/Student Permissions (FA_OVERRID) in the   MyBU Student Portal .

• To change   your SHIP plan (between Plus and Basic), log into the MyBU Student Portal . Under Student Health Insurance, select “Change Plan Level.”   You may also enroll your spouse or children in SHIP through the MyBU Student Portal.
• If you are   NOT keeping SHIP   and your current plan meets all of the requirements on the comparable coverage checklist, you can   access the waiver through   the MyBU Student Portal .   Under Student Health Insurance, select   “Waive SHIP,”   and then follow the steps to waive.

For more SHIP information including different plans and rates, please go to the   Student Health Services website.

Changes to the Refund Process

Getting your living expense refund at the start of the academic year will be easier than ever! Beginning Fall 2024, students are no longer required to submit a refund request . Any credit that is available on your Student Account Balance will be refunded to you at the start of the semester. Students must have set up a refund preference through Nelnet.   If you wish to have SHIP covered by financial aid, you will also need to complete the “FA_Override” permission found under Financials > Student Permissions on MyBU Student.

*Instructions to set up   electronic refund   here .

Students who have started or will begin the 24-25 academic year soon will receive communication from SFS regarding alternative funding opportunities.

For   2024-2025 Work Study   funds ,   students should complete the Fall/Spring Federal Work Study Application .   (open to GMS/SPH students only)

Scholarships

2024-25 ADEA Scholarships, Awards and Fellowships

Opportunities for dental, allied dental and advanced dental educators and students – apply today .

ADEA recognizes achievement and distinction among its members through its annual Scholarships, Awards and Fellowships program. Funds awarded support leadership development, fellowships, teaching excellence and pursuit of academic careers by students.

Apply by Sept. 12, 2024. Awardees will be recognized during the 2025 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition, March 8–11, 2025.

Armenian American Medical Society Scholarship

The AAMS awards scholarships annually to qualified Armenian students enrolled in a United States-accredited program in the fields of medical, pharmacy, dental, physician assistance, nursing, mental health, or other professional healthcare schools.  Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be of Armenian descent or have a special interest in Armenian- related medical causes.
• Be actively involved in community service benefiting the health and well-being of our community.
• Submit a completed application package   (link here) , post marked by   October 15, 2024

Value of the scholarship:   $5,000 | Number of scholarships available: 10

Required college or university :   Must be a United States-accredited program in the fields of medical, pharmacy, dental, physician assistant, nursing, mental health, or other professional healthcare schools.

Crush Med School Debt: Federal Programs for Financing Your Future in Medicine

August 21 from 2-3 PM ET – scan and register today!

The   National Health Service Corps (NHSC)   programs can help finance your future. Learn more about NHSC scholarship and loan repayment opportunities for primary care medical students who want to be part of the communities they serve.

The webinar will:

• Review eligibility requirements.
• Share information about the application process.
• Respond to questions in real time.

Association of American Medical Colleges

AAMC offers events created specifically to provide medical students with financial resources for your time during and after medical school.

• Check out all upcoming and past recorded webinars on the   FIRST Webinar page!
• Students should also check out AAMC’s FIRST programs such as   Money Management and  Renting an Apartment .

Student Loan Professor (formerly Doctors Without Quarters)

Student Loan Professor (formerly Doctors Without Quarters) recorded their April 8 webinar on Student Loan Best Practices for Medical School Grads. While this webinar was tailored to medical students there is valuable information for all BUMC graduates. Check out the recording.

AccessLex Institute

AccessLex   is a non-profit that offers free financial education resources to help students and recent grads manage their finances and loan repayment. Their webinar,   The Road to Zero: A Strategic Approach to Student Loan Repayment ,   provides all the info needed to feel confident about loan repayment.   You can also set up free 1:1 meetings   with their Accredited Financial Counselors to discuss your specific financial situation and goals.

BU Medical Campus Housing Guide 2024

BUMC’s 2024 Housing Guide, built with reviews from current BUMC students, is now available!   Find more info   on neighborhoods, best values, and landlord/property ratings.

Kindros   is BUMC’s online financial wellness platform which is free to the BUMC community! Learn about budgeting, earning and saving money, and how to plan for life’s big expenses.

Questions? Speak with SFS!

We have Zoom   virtual office hours   available to all BUMC students throughout the week. Stop by Student Financial Services in   suite B-401   in the Robinson Building where you can meet with an SFS staff member. You can also reach us by phone at 617-358-6550.

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Chen X. Chen, PhD, RN, joins Nursing as Sorensen Endowed Professor

07262024_chen x chen_klh2503.jpg.

Chen X. Chen, PhD, RN, MBBS, FAAN, will join the University of Arizona College of Nursing as the Sorensen Endowed Professor focused on improving the health, well-being and health care of individuals, families and communities. She begins Aug. 5.

Chen joins the College from the Indiana University School of Nursing, where she is an associate professor. She has dedicated her career to the study of dysmenorrhea, commonly known as menstrual pain. Chen said dysmenorrhea affects more than half of females of reproductive age and can increase the risk for other chronic pain conditions. As a principal investigator, Chen has received more than $3 million in extramural funding, including a current R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the talented faculty, staff and students within and beyond the College of Nursing,” said Chen. “The chance to work alongside experts in pain and symptom management, women’s health, health equity, biobehavioral health and integrative health is incredibly exciting. When I visited the campus and interacted with my future colleagues, I had a strong impression that the environment here is intellectually stimulating, collaborative and nurturing.”

Chen collaborates nationally and internationally in the areas of pain, women’s health and research methodologies. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed papers. Her research has been cited by scholars from 50 countries and featured in popular media outlets.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Chen join the faculty of the College of Nursing,” said Brian Ahn, PhD , the College’s dean. “Her research directly impacts so many women who have often suffered in silence. Her ability to inspire students to follow how dysmenorrhea can have long-lasting and widespread impact on patient health means our graduates will be better prepared to advance a healthier Arizona.”

Chen is a dedicated mentor, having guided undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Her commitment to teaching was recognized with the Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award.

Chen, who has moved to Tucson with her husband and two children, said she is excited to experience what the region has to offer.

“I am fascinated by the desert landscapes, cultural richness and outdoor activities,” Chen said. “I enjoy biking and hiking with my family, and we are thrilled about the amazing access to biking and hiking trails here. We love visiting national parks, and it is a dream come true to live within an hour of one.”

Chen received her PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her postdoctoral fellowship from Indiana University. Chen has a Bachelor of Medicine from the Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. Chen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

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New Faculty Spotlight: Peter Ricci Pellegrino, MD, PhD

• Written by UNMC Department of Anesthesiology
• Published Aug 5, 2024

Peter Ricci Pellegrino, MD, PhD

Peter Ricci Pellegrino, MD, PhD, is a new faculty member at UNMC.

• Name : Peter Ricci Pellegrino, MD, PhD 
• Title and department at UNMC : Assistant professor, UNMC Department of Anesthesiology
• Hometown : Minneapolis

What drew me to anesthesiology : Anesthesiology is an amazing discipline with diverse subspecialties that span the breadth of patient care with a particular emphasis on providing critical care and palliation to patients in their most vulnerable states, and I love pretty much everything about it.  

Education background:  

• MD, PhD in physiology, UNMC
• BSE in biomedical engineering, University of Iowa 

Professional Memberships:  

• American Society of Anesthesiologists 
• American College of Cardiology 
• American Heart Association 
• American Physiological Society 
• Early-Stage Anesthesiology Scholars 
• International Anesthesia Research Society 
• Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists 
• Society of Critical Care Medicine 
• American Academy of Pain Medicine 
• American Society of Regional Anesthesia 
• North American Neuromodulation Society 
• International Neuromodulation Society 
• International Pain and Spine Intervention Society  
• Alpha Omega Alpha 

What are you most looking forward to as you join the department?  

I am most excited for my elevated role in patient care. We have the capacity and duty to make a profound impact on our patients’ lives, and I take that very seriously. 

Three things people may not know about me :

• I spent most of my time in combined medical and graduate school believing I would forego residency training and pursue a research-only career, but I realized how much I loved taking care of patients as a third-year medical student, and my last eight years of clinical training have been extremely rewarding.  
• I find something about washing dishes therapeutic. 
• I am a fan of the recently relegated Frosinone soccer club. We’ll be back. 

Dr. Ricci Pellegrino,

Welcome to UNMC the home of the best in medicine! Glad you are cheering for Frosinone soccer club! In the 2023/2024 Serie A season, Frosinone finished 18th on the table and were relegated back to Serie B. Yes, we will be back!!!! Forza Frosinone!!!! Best wishes!

Hooray!! Well deserved. Anesthesiology department made a great decision!

Welcome to the next stage in your career! Another success of our MD-PhD program, and now enriching our faculty, so glad you are here with us.

Congratulations Peter: Hope to get you back in the fold and get the K08 submitted.

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