Overview
Cutting-edge, Multidisciplinary Research and a Supportive Faculty
Research in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Vermont (UVM) addresses fundamental questions in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell and molecular biology by applying the methods of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and structural biology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of cellular function. The interdisciplinary nature of these fields means that a prospective graduate student is offered a wide choice of research opportunities. The department is known for its highly collaborative culture, which is fostered by regular cross-departmental meetings and journal clubs focusing on interdisciplinary topics such as DNA repair, signal transduction, and microbial pathogenesis. Additionally, the department is involved with cross-college consortia such as the Vermont Center for Immunology and Infectious Disease (recently awarded a ten million dollar federal grant), the Vermont Cancer Center, and training grants in environmental pathology and cancer biology. The research programs within the department are supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The department occupies a unique niche at UVM as its research and educational missions span two colleges: the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Medicine. In addition to its Ph.D. program, the department offers two undergraduate majors, one in microbiology and one in molecular genetics. The faculty considers teaching experience to be an essential component of graduate education. The ability to communicate one's work to the academic and research community is also a key requirement for success in a scientific career. Seminar courses and journal clubs provide ample opportunities for graduate students to hone their communication skills. In addition, during their first two years in the graduate program, students typically participate in two one-semester courses as a teaching assistant.
During the first year, students work closely with two or three faculty members on research projects in their laboratories. These rotations serve to acquaint the students with the people in the various labs and enable the students to gain experience in a variety of experimental techniques. After the first year, students select the lab in which they will do their thesis research. Students usually complete their course requirements within the first two years, after which their efforts are focused primarily on research, leading to the Ph.D. Students can expect to spend, on average, four to five years in residence at the university.
The department guarantees full support for Ph.D. students in good standing for the duration of their graduate studies. This support comes from departmental teaching assistantships, training grant fellowships, and individual research grants. All Ph.D. students are supported by full tuition remission, as well as a stipend and health benefits. Graduates of the doctoral program go on to a variety of positions in academia, research institutions, and industry.
The depth and breadth of the department's programs provide myriad opportunities to graduate students to develop their research, teaching, and presentation skills. The department and its faculty are recognized by both students and the UVM administration for the outstanding and supportive educational experience it provides to its students.
All in a Beautiful Location
Flanked on one side by Lake Champlain and the on other by the Green Mountains, Burlington consistently ranks as one of the best cities to live in America. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound: from sailing and kayaking on the lake, to camping or day hiking in the local mountains, to skiing or boarding at one of the six local ski areas. The city and surrounding area also have a vibrant arts scene, ranging from the familiar to the progressive and experimental. Less organized entertainment can be found at the Ben and Jerry's factory in Waterbury, the nightclub scene on the Church Street pedestrian mall, or at one of the many local microbreweries.
