Thesis Research

The primary purpose of research rotations in the first year is to identify a thesis mentor. Mentors are typically chosen at the end of the first year, but no later than the middle of the second year. Once a thesis mentor is identified, research toward the thesis begins. In the second year and thereafter, the student is engaged in full-time laboratory research in the mentor’s laboratory. If a fellowship grant is not obtained, students are supported by the mentor’s funding from third year onward. 

Students for a thesis committee in their second year. Committees includes at least three faculty members from Pharmacology & Physiology with expertise in areas relevant to the student’s research and an established scientist from outside the Program. The student’s committee members must be approved by the Program Director. After approval, the members of the thesis committee designate a chair of the committee who helps the student facilitate the meeting. The student meets with his/her Advisory Committee at least once a semester to discuss and evaluate research progress. The purpose of regular thesis committee meetings is to ensure that students receive the support and guidance they need to make progress towards their degree.

A thesis proposal is prepared no later than the third year. The proposal defines an original and significant research problem, assesses the research literature critically, suggests feasible experimental approaches to the problem and presents any available preliminary data in support of the approach. The thesis proposal should be presented to the thesis advisory committee at the annual meeting in the spring of either the second or third year, typically coinciding with the Seminar talk in the spring. Thereafter, the student meets with his/her Committee at least once a semester to discuss and evaluate research progress and modify the initial proposal if required. These meetings are an opportunity to present data and get feedback from the committee with regard to the direction and progress of the project.

The program recognizes that students do not have control over when a paper is accepted for publication, and thus we do not require a first author manuscript to be accepted prior to the thesis defense. However, we do require a first author manuscript be submitted prior to the thesis defense (and preferably posted to a preprint server). While the individual thesis differs students typically publish 2 or more first author papers during their dissertation research. Browse recent publications from our students and faculty.