Genetics, Genomics and Development (Graduate Field)

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Field Description

The Graduate Field of Genetics, Genomics, and Development (GGD) provides top-ranking, multidisciplinary training with the mission to educate research scientists for a successful career in the biological sciences. Our curriculum focuses on building foundational scientific knowledge and skills for success. Our program includes instruction in written and oral communication, critical thinking and analysis, statical methods, and professional research ethics, a one semester teaching experience, and a research-intensive thesis project. The Field of GGD is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive training environment for all students, and the GGD program puts a great emphasis on training our students to be rigorous scientists ready for a successful career. The Cornell campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and provides many opportunities for collaboration. This fertile environment, led by an enthusiastic and dedicated faculty, provides a rigorous training environment. Our graduates enjoy rewarding careers in a variety of settings, including academia, industry, government, law, and many others.

The GGD Field operates in partnership with the Graduate Field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Cell Biology (BMCB). These two programs bring together 100 faculty spanning 18 departments and institutes, providing a wealth of research possibilities. Faculty research interests encompass a broad range of biomedical problems with the intent to build a quantitative and mechanistic understanding of the fundamental processes common to all cells and organisms. Research projects in the Fields of GGD and BMCB are often multidisciplinary and apply methods in genetics, computational genomics, molecular and cellular biology, and biochemistry, and across a range of model systems. Our strengths range from molecular genetics, computational genomics, developmental and cell biology, to structural and cellular biochemistry. Project areas span many topics including gene regulation and genome stability, population genetics and molecular evolution, cell signaling, development and tissue homeostasis, membrane trafficking, host microbiome interactions, the regulation of enzymes and metabolism, protein and RNA structure.

The GGD and BMCB Fields together offer three degrees: Genetics PhD, Molecular Cell Biology PhD, and Biochemistry PhD. GGD students working towards the Genetics PhD have the opportunity to focus their coursework and research in the areas of Molecular Genetics, Computational Genomics, Developmental Biology, and Population Genetics & Molecular Evolution. BMCB students pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry or Molecular Cell Biology can focus in the areas of Biochemistry & Structural Biology, Molecular & Cell Biology, or Cell & Developmental Biology. At the time of application, prospective students should select the degree program that is best aligns with their current research interests, with the knowledge that movement between degrees programs can be facilitated if research interests evolve. 

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