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Education / Graduate Education / PhD Programs / Neuroscience Graduate Program / Faculty and Student Researchers / Student Researchers / Handbook

Student Handbook

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For a copy of the handbook, please reach out to Pam LaDuke, Program Coordinator

This handbook SUPPLEMENTS, but does not replace, the Official Bulletin for Graduate Studies

Program Goal

The primary goal of the Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP) is to provide state-of-the-art research-intensive training for students seeking to obtain a PhD degree in the study of the nervous system. The program provides trainees with the research and teaching skills necessary to become successful independent neuroscientists employed in academic, government, and corporate settings. Successful completion of the training program culminates in the granting of the PhD degree in either Neuroscience or Neurobiology & Anatomy.

Overview

Students seeking admission into NGP should indicate their interest in neuroscience when completing the online application to graduate studies at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Information about the application and admission process is available at: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/. Students entering NGP typically complete most of the core curriculum requirements during their first year. Coursework in cellular and systems neuroscience is supplemented by research rotations in NGP faculty laboratories selected by the students. At the end of the first year, and after completing at least three laboratory rotations, students select a thesis advisor(s) and laboratory for their dissertation research. At the same time, students chose one of two PhD degree tracks: Neuroscience or Neurobiology & Anatomy.

This handbook outlines the policies and regulations for NGP. Students admitted into another PhD program at the University of Rochester may petition to transfer into NGP provided the student’s thesis advisor is a member of the NGP faculty. General policies and regulations for graduate study at the University of Rochester are contained in the Official Bulletin for Graduate Studies.

Program Administration

Program Director: 
J. Chris Holt, Ph.D.
Office: 6-8549
Phone: 585-273-3064
Joseph_Holt@URMC.Rochester.edu

Associate Director/Admissions Director: 
Madalina Tivarus, Ph.D.
Office: CABIN 2-B202
Phone: 585-276-7328
Madalina_Tivarus@URMC.Rochester.edu

Academic Administrator:
Pam LaDuke
Office: KMRB G-9602
Phone: 585-275-3335
Pam_LaDuke@URMC.Rochester.edu

The NGP Director oversees the administration and day-to-day activities of the NGP and is assisted by the Associate Director and Graduate Program Administrator. Three committees comprised of faculty and student representatives participate in the administration of the program.

  • The NGP Admissions Committee recruits’ students to the NGP and is made up of faculty representing a broad range of neuroscience disciplines.
  • The NGP Steering Committee is made up of faculty with demonstrated interest and expertise in graduate education. The Steering Committee is charged with making decisions on the general policies, qualifying exams, curricula, and faculty membership of the NGP.
  • The NGP Executive Committee is composed of administrative leaders in neuroscience and acts to guide major policy changes and to represent the program at the institutional level.


Updated: June 2026