Overview of CMB

Since its inception, the CMB Doctoral Program has been an integrative force that aims to tie together the various disciplines of genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, cell biology and others, with the goal of training our students to examine scientific problems from many perspectives. In this way, CMB alumni are trained as independent research scientists to take part in cutting-edge research. Students' programs are individually tailored by personal discussions with faculty members whose work interests them, by mentorship and advice from fellow CMB students, and by personal advice from the CMB director. Drawing on diverse faculty and University resources, students obtain a strong foundation in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, then follow their own focused interests by selecting from training opportunities with faculty working in a variety of exciting research areas.

Diverse Research Opportunities and Collaborations

Students begin research rotations in the labs of their choice during their first year at the University of Michigan. At least two rotations of 3-4 months each allow students to explore different aspects of cellular and molecular biology, and to familiarize themselves with the research environments provided by potential Ph.D. mentors. Over one hundred CMB faculty members from multiple departments at the University, representing both basic and clinical sciences, offer a wide range of research opportunities for CMB students. In addition to frequent personal discussions, students meet and familiarize themselves with the diverse faculty and their research during the annual CMB Symposium and Poster Session at the start of the Fall semester, a highlight of the University calendar; at the CMB Spring Research Forum; and during regularly scheduled meetings of faculty and students for seminar presentations and informal lunches.. In this way, the community of CMB students and faculty provides a key element in fostering interdisciplinary research and productive collaborations.

Flexibility in Course-work Choices

All CMB students take formal graduate level courses in biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cell biology. Because of the University-wide composition of CMB, there is great flexibility in which specific courses can be chosen to fulfill these requirements. A wide choice of elective courses offered throughout the University is used to tailor each student's training to individual research interests.

One course offered specifically for all CMB students is a weekly session in which CMB students present formal research and literature seminars. Seminars are prepared with the advice of a faculty mentor, and provide a forum for scientific exchange as well as career training in presentation skills. These seminar interactions, like the many other scientific and social events sponsored by the CMB Program, establish a sense of community among faculty and students. The interdisciplinary aspect of CMB is also highlighted in a series of "short courses" on high-profile topics of current interest selected by students. In these symposia, worldwide experts are invited to the CMB Program to interact with students and present seminars and student “chalk talks”.

Thesis Research

Students typically initiate their dissertation research by the second year and form a dissertation committee, composed of the mentor and four additional faculty. Interaction with and advice from thesis committee members occur both informally and at regular formal meetings, often laying the foundation for continued scientific interactions throughout the student's career. The formal thesis defense is the culmination of the CMB training program, launching the careers of our graduates. CMB alumni have established successful and productive careers in academia, biotechnology, and science advising to the government and public, among other areas.