The predoctoral program in the Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics at the Oregon Health & Science University is designed to offer training in the area of genetics. The program offers a range of training opportunities in molecular, cellular, developmental and human genetics. The areas of faculty research include molecular genetics, molecular biology of gene regulation, somatic cell genetics, developmental genetics, medical genetics, cytogenetics, molecular cytogenetics, population genetics, biochemical genetics, cell biology and biochemistry. Some laboratories are focusing on processes such as DNA repair mechanisms at both the basic understanding level and in relation to human disease. Others are involved in positional cloning and characterization of human disease genes. Still other labs are working on basic genetic problems such as cell differentiation in, for example, normal and abnormal muscle cells. One theme in the program is a utilization of a variety of genetic, molecular and cellular approaches for analyzing normal and disease processes. Students have the opportunity to receive genetics clinical experience while participating in the Genetics Clinic on an optional basis. The opportunities for graduate research on a variety of genetic problems is, however, the central feature of the training program.
The Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics is a participating department in the Program in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (PMCB) at Oregon Health & Science University. This program offers a joint admissions process and a standard first-year curriculum for the four participating departments. The purpose of the program is to offer students the flexibility to select first-year research rotations with any of the participating faculty to gain as much information and experience as possible before making the crucial selection of a topic and mentor for dissertation research.
First Year
A series of programs have been designed to introduce the entering graduate students to the research options available and to facilitate the selection of a major thesis advisor; these include research seminars, journal clubs, and laboratory rotations. These programs along with coursework will provide students with current knowledge of specialized topics. Upon completion of the first year, students choose a dissertation advisor.
Second Year to Graduation
Students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree upon successful completion of a qualifying examination consisting of an oral presentation and defense of a research proposal. The progress of students' research and the general quality of their graduate education are maintained by continuous interaction among the student, the dissertation advisor, and the dissertation advisory committee. The dissertation is based upon original research work carried out in the dissertation advisor's laboratory.
Current Dissertation Research
Current dissertation research projects include studies of the mechanisms of steroid and peptide hormone action in endocrine cells, hormone-receptor co-activator interactions; gene and chromatin structure, mechanisms and regulation of mRNA transcription and processing; biochemistry and regulation of the cytoskeleton, mitotic apparatus, cell motility and secretion; cellular communication; molecular and somatic cell genetics; regulation of replication and cell division; regulation of ovarian and testicular function, neuroendocrinology, implantation; cell signaling for learning and memory; developmental analysis of many tissues during mouse embryogensis; cancer biology (breast, prostate and viral); and Drosophila and mouse genetics; gene therapy.
Typical Program of Study
Department Activities
- Seminar Series: The Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics sponsors a weekly Departmental Seminar. Participation is an integral part of the department’s graduate program.
- Faculty Research Presentations: Students are introduced to faculty research interests when faculty members give a brief overview of their research interests and current projects in their laboratory.
- Journal Club: Weekly journal presentations by faculty and students in The Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics
- Grand Rounds Series: Medical Genetics Grand Rounds is a weekly presentation based on patient experience addressing clinical science, clinical research and basic discoveries in the field of genetics.
Our Students Enjoy
- Competitive Stipend - $23,500 - $25,000 depending on completion of various requirements
- Health and dental insurance
- State of the art facilities
- Well-funded NIH research programs in all areas of molecular and cellular biosciences
- An excellent collaborative research environment with internationally recognized research faculty to supervise thesis research
- Optional participation in The Graduate Student Organization (GSO)
How to join The Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics Graduate Program
Application Process
The Department is a participant in the Program in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (PMCB). This program offers a joint admissions process and a standard first-year curriculum for the four participating departments.
