The Program
The interdisciplinary Predoctoral Training Program in Chemistry & Biology at The University of Chicago provides for selected, outstanding students cross-training at the interface of chemistry and biology with a synthetic and mechanistic focus. This program, supported through a training grant of the National Institutes of Health, is the only interdivisional, predoctoral program at The University of Chicago that has cross-training in both the physical and the biological sciences as its objective. The broad scope of the research interests of the faculty participating in the training program, strengthened through multiple collaborative research projects and interactions, ensures a large variety of opportunities for meaningful cross-training. Moreover, the program offers a supportive environment for training of students in cutting-edge research at the interface of chemistry and biology.
Selection and Support
The Program provides support for tuition and cost-of-living stipend for a two year period. Funds are also provided for attendance of a scientific conference of relevance to the student's focus of research. Students are selected into the program at the beginning of the Spring Quarter of their first year of graduate study. Students may apply directly to the Program or be nominated by their respective departmental academic advisor or chairperson. Students have been traditionally nominated to the Program from the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and the Department of Chemistry. Selection is made on the basis of the academic record, both undergraduate and graduate, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated evidence of interest in pursuing interdisciplinary training at the interface of chemistry and biology. The program is directed by Professors Marvin W. Makinen (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) and Joseph Piccirilli (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry, HHMI) who are assisted by a Faculty Steering Committee and a Student Advisory Committee.