Why Choose Us

Prospective Students: Why Choose Us

Why pursue graduate studies at the University of Minnesota Medical School? Read what just a few alumni and industry experts are saying about our biomedical programs...

“I consider this to be one of the best programs of its kind in the country, and would strongly recommend it for those seeking an intellectually vibrant environment to learn and discover.” ~Sharbani Chattopadhyay, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics Ph.D. 2008, Assistant Project Scientist, UCLA Health

“The high quality of research, as well as the broad range of projects in the BMBB program, provided me with a strong foundation for my career. My overall experience at the University of Minnesota was outstanding, and I am very proud to be a BMBB graduate.” ~ Brad Wallar, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics Ph.D. 2000, Associate Professor Chemistry, Grand Valley State University

“My time in lab has helped me to develop many career skills including the ability to think critically, design experiments, interpret results, and present those results in the form of a paper, an oral presentation, a poster or a grant application.” ~University of Minnesota IBP graduate student, December 2014

“The MCDB&G graduate program at the University of Minnesota will provide you with the training, expertise, and knowledge to pursue a lifelong career in science. 

My graduate-level courses gave me the writing and critical thinking experience necessary to write a nationally competitive research proposal. 

My faculty advisors played an integral role … providing their expertise and resources to allow me to complete my research goals.” ~Clint Matson, Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics Ph.D., 2010; Research Scientist, Gilead Sciences

“The scientific breadth and the interactive environment make MICaB so incredibly unique and strong. My broad scientific background helped me secure funding from cancer foundations as well as the NIAID during my time as a postdoc. Things finally came full circle when I started my own immunology focused lab in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in January 2011. Looking back, I could not have chosen a better place for my grad-school training.” ~Martin Prlic, Microbiology, Immunology & Cancer Biology Ph.D. , 1999; Member, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

“The multidisciplinary approach to graduate education in neuroscience at the University of Minnesota provided the background I needed to excel in the various positions I’ve held, from biology professor and industry research consultant to my current position as a medical device research scientist.” ~Jadin Jackson, Neuroscience Ph.D. 2006; Principal Scientist, Medtronic