PhD Programs
Actively pursue research in diverse areas encompassing the modern biomedical and health sciences. The School of Medicine and Dentistry's interdisciplinary environment will provide you with an educational experience with maximum flexibility, allowing you to pursue intellectual challenges in your specific field, as well as in other related areas of interest.
Why Choose Rochester?
Personal attention, close working relationships with your peers and faculty, and extensive participation in research are what you can expect from your experience in our graduate programs. You and your peers drive the educational experience, which means that you can expect:
- Professional development programs that will prepare you for a variety of careers.
- We actively promote Excellence through Diversity. We are highly committed to foster and promote the core values of the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Office for Inclusion and Culture.
We offer additional educational opportunities that may be available to you if you are a member of a group that is under-represented in the School of Medicine and Dentistry.
- Close interaction with faculty that will provide you with invaluable individual attention and mentoring.
- Interdisciplinary programs and a research opportunity that is progressively independent. A welcoming learning community where you will find great friends and future colleagues.
- Learn more about the School of Medicine and Dentistry by reviewing our online Trainee Handbook.
- Learn more about recent incoming and graduating classes from our Stats and Facts page.
The University of Rochester provides equal opportunity in admissions and student aid regardless of sex, age, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin. Further, the University complies with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Questions on compliance should be directed to the particular school or department and/or to the University's Equal Opportunity Coordinator, University of Rochester, Box 270501, Rochester, NY 14627-0501.
You can also fill out our student accommodations form (opens in new window)
On behalf of Dean Richard Libby, it is our pleasure to announce the 2021 PhD Award recipients:
The Wallace O. Fenn Award – Dr. Brandon Berry (Physiology)
Dr. Brandon Berry studied mitochondrial bioenergetics and hypoxic signaling in the laboratory of Dr. Andrew Wojtovich. As a graduate student, Brandon developed and pioneered an optogenetic approach to control mitochondrial function using light. Using this approach, he discovered how changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics are required for protection against damaging hypoxia. Brandon was a leader in the laboratory and was dedicated to both his work and his colleagues. During his graduate school tenure, he was awarded an American Heart Association Fellowship, a Young Investigator Award from the Society for Redox Biology & Medicine, and published eleven manuscripts.
The Vincent du Vigneaud Award - Dr. Katherine Best (Pathology)
Dr. Best's thesis was focused on defining the fundamental cellular and molecular processes that drive the fibrotic response to tendon injuries. Clinically, these injuries are very difficult to treat due to excessive scar formation that impairs tendon function, and an insufficient understanding of the cell and molecular regulators of this process has limited the development of translational approaches to improve healing. Katie's research provided key insights into the specific cell populations that comprise the tendon during homeostasis, as well as in response to injury, which has substantial implications for tendon tissue engineering and cell-based therapeutics. Moreover, Katie defined the function of a specific subpopulation of tendon cells, and identified a specific process within this population as a central regulator of the fibrotic response to injury. The selection of Katie's thesis for the Vincent du Vigneaud award is a fitting tribute as this work has made foundational contributions to the tendon field, and altered how we tackle this challenging clinical problem.
Thank you to the selection committee and to all who nominated.