Student Handbook for the Toxicology PhD Program
Student Handbook for the Toxicology PhD Program
The Rochester Toxicology Program provides state-of-the-art graduate and postdoctoral training in the environmental health sciences and toxicology. Our mission is to educate and train the next generation of talented, independent toxicologists and environmental health scientists who will be able to conduct innovative research and transform their research findings into information, resources, and tools that will be used by public health and medical professionals, as well as the public, to improve overall human health and well-being. We are committed to promoting a training environment that is fully inclusive. We recognize that the best way to achieve our mission is to harness the strengths of diversity in background, ability, and experience of all our trainees.
This handbook summarizes the policies that are applicable to the Toxicology PhD Program at the University of Rochester. Additional details and regulations concerning graduate study at the University of Rochester can be found in the online Trainee Handbook on the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) website (e.g., the Graduate Studies Bulletin and the Regulations and University Policies Concerning Graduate Studies): https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/education/graduate/trainee-handbook/policies-benefits.aspx
This handbook provides a summary of the most salient information. However, it is expected that students and faculty mentors regularly consult all resources because policies, guidelines, and deadlines continue to evolve in response to the changing needs of the graduate program and students and to new or modified rules. Thus, it is important that crucial decisions are verified with the Program Coordinator or Program Directors and/or GEPA.
For a copy of this handbook, please reach out to Program Coordinator, Danielle Gamble: 275-6702 Danielle_Gamble@urmc.rochester.edu.
Table of Contents
- Curriculum for the PhD
- Progress toward the degree: Benchmarks and timeframe
- Satisfactory progress
- Selecting a mentor and research advisory committee
- Training grant appointment process
- PhD qualifying examination
- Annual reviews
- Writing the thesis
- Thesis preparation and registration process
- Thesis defense
- General policies
- Summary
updated August 2025