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
Presently in its second 5-year award period, the Predoctoral Training Program in Chemistry & Biology 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 Joseph A. Piccirilli (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemistry) and Chuan He (Chemistry) who are assisted by a Faculty Steering Committee and a Student Advisory Committee.
Cross-training is achieved by:
(1) Satisfactory completion of two courses in the department of the other scientific discipline as electives;
(2) An elective research rotation under the guidance of a participating faculty member in the other discipline upon initial appointment to the program in the Spring Quarter of the first year of graduate study;
(3) Coordinated mentoring of student-trainees by the primary research advisor together with a co-advisor of the other department up to the time of the final Ph.D. oral defense; and
(4) Participation in a series of monthly meetings throughout the academic year designated as "Discussions at the Interface of Chemistry & Biology" to gain acquaintance with theoretical concepts and methods.
Last updated: March 25, 2009.