Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program
The Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program in the Wake Forest School of Medicine is an interdisciplinary research and PhD training program composed of a diverse group of investigators employing molecular and genetic approaches to biomedical research.
The Program includes molecular biologists from each of the basic science departments of the School of Medicine as well as clinical faculty involved in laboratory research. Participating investigators include faculty from the departments of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology, Pediatrics, Physiology and Pharmacology, and Surgery. Many Program faculty are also members of the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University. The core facilities and offices of the Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program are centrally located in the Hanes Research building on the medical school campus thus facilitating collaborative interactions among members.
The objective of the PhD training program is to provide an interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes the detailed analysis of fundamental biological processes using the tools of molecular biology and genetics. Individualized programs of study are designed to train students for independent careers in research and teaching. The first year curriculum provides broad exposure to the fundamentals of molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Students begin their laboratory research experience during the first year by participating in two or three laboratory research projects as a rotation student. The different laboratory experiences introduce students to new techniques and guide the selection of a dissertation research advisor.
Once a research advisor has been selected, students begin specialization in the research area of that laboratory. Areas of active investigation include: control of gene expression; molecular pathogenesis; protein biosyntheses and compartmentalization; cell development and differentiation; carcinogenesis; development of cellular resistance to cancer; genetic basis of disease; clinical cytogenetics; molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis; and signal transduction.
Click here to obtain information on the APPLICATION PROCESS for the Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program.