GRADUATE STUDENT
HANDBOOK
PROGRAM DIRECTORS: Christine Beeton, Ph.D.
713-798-5030
George Rodney, Jr., Ph.D.
713-798-5797
PROGRAM ADMINISTATOR: Elizabeth Haynes 713-798-5109
GRADUATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
Christine Beeton, Ph.D. 713-798-5030
William Lagor, Ph.D. 713-798-8666
Sean Marrelli, Ph.D. 713-798-7892
Joel Neilson, Ph.D. 713-798-8851
Ross Poche, Ph.D. 713-798-6911
George Rodney Jr., Ph.D. 713-798-5797
Joshua Wythe, Ph.D. 713-798-6911
*Policy and procedures set forth in the Program's guidelines are addenda to the Policy Handbook, Graduate School, and
Baylor College of Medicine. Program procedures supplement Graduate School policies; they do not supersede them. While
every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of information in this publication, the department of Molecular Physiology
and Biophysics reserves the freedom to change without notice any information published herein. This Publication is not to be
regarded as a contract.*
Last Revision: December 8, 2015
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 2
PROGRAM CO-DIRECTORS ............................................................................................................ 2
GRADUATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE ...................................................................................... 2
I. ADMISSION ............................................................................................................................ 3
A. REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION ...................................................................... 3
B. ACADEMIC YEAR .................................................................................................... 3
C. FINANCIAL AID AND HEALTH INSURANCE .................................................... 3
II. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................. 4
A. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE Ph.D. DEGREE .......................................... 4
B. COURSE WORK ........................................................................................................ 4
C. SEMINAR SERIES ..................................................................................................... 6
D. LAB ROTATIONS ...................................................................................................... 7
E. MAJOR DISSERTATION ADVISOR ....................................................................... 8
F. DISSERTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE ......................................................... 9
G. STUDENT SYMPOSIUM AND DEPARTMENTAL RETREAT .......................... 9
H. STATUS REPORTS ...................................................................................................10
I. QUALIFYING EXAM ............................................................................................. 11
J. DISSERTATION DEFENSE .................................................................................... 14
K. ETHICAL CONDUCT IN SCIENCE............. ...........................................................14
L. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN...................................................................15
CURRICULUM AND ELECTIVE COURSES………………………………………………….. 16
TYPICAL COURSE OF STUDY FOR FIRST YEAR ..................................................................... 17
FACULTY MEMBERS (PRIMARY AND SECONDARY FACULTY) ....................................... 23 *** (Required Graduate School forms can be downloaded from the Graduate School website http://www.bcm.edu/gradschool/grad-forms.html) ***
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INTRODUCTION
The Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Baylor College of Medicine offers a
research-oriented program of graduate study leading to a Ph.D. This program applies cutting-edge methods of
molecular and cell biology, electrophysiology, imaging, biophysics, immunology, protein biochemistry, and
pharmacology to the study of problems of physiological importance. The Department participates in Baylor
College of Medicine’s M.D./Ph.D. Program whose candidates earn the degrees of M.D. and Ph.D.
The departmental faculty members are very interactive with ongoing research in the areas of structure
and function of ion channels and transport proteins, signal transduction, synaptic plasticity, developmental
biology, cardiovascular diseases, cell cycle control, reactive oxygen species, neuronal morphology, drug and
gene delivery, the development of biosensors for genetic diagnosis, and small animal magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). In addition, knockout and transgenic mice are used for a number of different types of whole
animal studies, including the study of muscle and cardiovascular function, learning and memory, Alzheimer’s
Disease, diabetes and cancer.
PROGRAM CO-DIRECTORS
The Co-Directors of Graduate Studies coordinate the graduate program within the Department. The Co-
Directors are appointed by the Chairman of the Department and serve as Co-Chairman of the Graduate Education
Committee (GEC). The Co-Directors are responsible for transmitting information between the Graduate School
office and the departmental faculty and represent the Department as a member of the Executive Council of the
Graduate School.
GRADUATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE (GEC)
The Graduate Education Committee (GEC) formulates and executes the policies and practices that pertain
to graduate education in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. The major areas of responsibility for the
Committee include recruitment, admission, orientation, establishment and review of curriculum, examinations
(qualifying and defense of dissertation), and monitoring the progress of students through the graduate program.
The members of the Committee are appointed by the Chairman of the Department.
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I. ADMISSION
A. REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION
1. The requirements and procedures for admission are those of the Graduate School, as set
forth in the Graduate School catalogue.
2. Successful applicants are selected on the basis of their undergraduate academic records,
scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), past research experience, letters of
recommendation, and an interview. Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) are also considered for foreign applicants.
3. Undergraduate academic records must be complete and presented in the form of an official
transcript.
4. Applicants must submit official GRE scores obtained within three years prior to the
application deadline. The General Test is required and a Subject Test in either Biology,
Chemistry, Physics or Biochemistry is recommended.
5. At least three letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty members or research
sponsors must be submitted. If the applicant has had professional or graduate training, a
letter from a faculty member of the professional or graduate institution that the applicant
attended is also required.
6. An interview is required for all applicants.
B. ACADEMIC YEAR
1. The academic year is from approximately August 1 to July 31 and terms are designated 1,
2, 3, 4 and 5. Normally, students begin their studies in August, Term 1.
2. The week after the finals of terms 1, 3, and 4 are not vacation weeks and are to be spent
finishing the current term’s lab work. If a student wishes to take time off during these weeks, he/she
must obtain prior approval from the co-directors of the graduate program and the principal
investigator of their rotation lab. Upper level students must secure approval from their advisor prior
to making travel arrangements.
C. FINANCIAL AID AND HEALTH INSURANCE
1. Students accepted into the program usually receive a tuition scholarship, an annual stipend
of $29,000 (2015-2016 academic year), and health coverage (student only).
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II PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
A. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE Ph.D. DEGREE
1. The Ph.D. degree requires satisfactory completion of 135 term hours.
a. A minimum of 60 term hours of course work is required of which 12 graded hours
must be taken outside the student's department (special projects are counted as
course work hours excluding the 12 required outside the department). 30 term hours
of graded coursework must be completed prior to standing for the Qualifying Exam.
b. The remaining 75 term hours may be course work, special projects or dissertation
research.
c. Students must be enrolled for at least 12 term hours per term, five terms per year.
Students wishing to take more than 17 hours per term must obtain written
permission from their advisor and have the approval of the Dean. Students will
receive notification from the Graduate School when on-line registration is open and
when registration is due. Late registration is subject to a $25.00 late fee.
B. COURSE WORK
1. Required Courses (and Term offered)
Didactic
GS-GS-501 - Organization of the Cell (T1)
GS-GS-521 - Introduction to Biostatistics (T4)
GS-PY-430 - Human Physiology I (T2)
GS-PY-431 - Human Physiology II (T3)
GS-PY-465 - Transmembrane Signaling (T4)
GS-PY-415 - Cell Physiology (T2)
Non-didactic
GS-GS-513 - Science as a Profession (T1)
GS-GS-514 - Science as a Profession-Ethics-Year 1 (T1)
GS-GS-515 - Science as a Profession-Ethics-Year 2 (T2)
GS-GS-516 - Science as a Profession-Ethics-Year 3 (T3)
GS-PY-413 - Grant Writing Skill-Year 2 (T2)
(Each Year, All Terms)
Physiology 549 - Research Rotation (All Terms, 1st year)
Physiology 435 - Special Project (All Terms, 2nd year)
Physiology 466 - Seminar in Molecular Physiology (All Terms)
Dissertation – (After Admitted into Candidacy)
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After the completion of first year in the program, students must have completed the required 60
course term hours including all required courses. Graduate students must earn a grade of "B" or
better in all required course work. If a grade of "C" is received in a required course, the course must
be retaken. If a grade "C" is made a second time, the student will be subject to dismissal from the
program. If a grade of "F" is made in any required course, the student will be subject to dismissal
from the program.
Graduate students are expected to obtain passing grades of “B” or higher in all required course
work. Grades of marginal pass or “C” will place the student on academic warning. A single grade of
“F,” or two cumulative grades of “C,” will move the student to academic probation. Academic
probation is a serious situation, in which the student is in danger of dismissal from the program if
performance does not improve.
Placement on either academic probation or academic warning and eventual removal from
probation or warning requires formulation and approval of a remediation plan. This plan will be
formulated and signed by the Graduate Co-Directors, the major advisor, and the student, in mutual
consultation. It must be approved by the Promotions Committee.
Required courses may be waived upon request by the student. The student must submit evidence of
having achieved a passing grade (A or B) on a graduate level course or courses with similar content.
Such evidence should include a transcript and a course syllabus. The request will be reviewed by
the Graduate Education Committee, and forwarded to the Graduate School for approval to ensure
compliance with course requirements and to avoid redundancy. Any of these courses may be
waived at the discretion of the Graduate Education Committee.
MSTP students may request to transfer courses taken during their first two year of medical school.
The required courses available for such transfer are:
GS-GS-501 - Organization of the Cell (T1)
GS-PY-430 - Human Physiology I (T2)
GS-PY-431 - Human Physiology II (T3)
MSTP students will be required to take the remainder of the courses required by the program.
All students must attempt to complete the required 30 didactic hours by the end of term 5.
2. Recommended Elective Courses
Recommended elective courses are listed in the appendix for each of the 5 areas of emphasis.
Students may focus on a single area of emphasis or may combine electives from various areas.
Students will need prior approval from the Directors to take courses that will conflict with the
Seminar Series schedule.
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C. SEMINAR SERIES
The Seminar Series consist of three types of seminars: Departmental Faculty, Postdoctoral/
Students and Dissertation.
1. Departmental Seminars Lunch with the Speaker
The seminar coordinator will send an email soliciting students to attend lunch with the
speakers.
2. Seminar Attendance
a. Attendance to departmental Faculty and Postdoctoral/Student
seminars is mandatory for all Physiology Students.
b. Seminars remain a Pass/Fail course for all Physiology Students.
c. First year students are however required to present a journal club at
the Postdoctoral/Student seminar.
d. Attendance of dissertation defenses is mandatory for all
Physiology Students.
e. Students must attend 80% of seminars in each term or the student
will be given an ‘F’. Sign-in sheets will be used to monitor
attendance at all seminars.
f. Students planning on attending a meeting, going on a job
interview, attending classes or trainings, or giving/attending a
seminar elsewhere should contact the Seminar Director in advance
to obtain permission to miss one or several departmental seminars
without using an excused absence.
g. Please arrive at seminar on time. Late arrival will count as an
absence.
3. Student Host Responsibilities
Students, 2nd year and above (1st year only if requested), are required to host faculty
speakers as a Student Host. Selection of student hosts will be made by the faculty host. The
selected student will be notified via email by the seminar coordinator when he or she is selected
to host and will also be provided with a copy of the Student Host Duties and Responsibilities
document.
4. Guidelines for first year students' journal club:
a. Choose a paper of general interests from a leading biomedical
journal. The paper has to be approved by the student seminar director
at least one week before the scheduled journal club.
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b. Once a paper is chosen, send a .PDF file to the program administrator
who will distribute copies to Physiology graduate students.
c. It is mandatory that the presenter read background material.
d. The presentation should consist of 5 min background and
introduction, 15 min results, and 10 min discussion of the results.
When preparing the presentation, keep the following in mind:
i. Issues/questions/hypothesis the paper is trying to address;
ii. Methods used in acquiring the data
iii. Were there proper controls?
iv. Why the data support the conclusion
v. What are alternative explanations for the data?
vi. Do the conclusions drawn address the hypothesis?
e. All students are required to read and critique the paper.
5. Guidelines for 2nd year and higher student seminar presentations.
Upper-year students will deliver a 20-25 min seminar on their current research followed
by a critique session attended by the students and faculty.
D. LAB ROTATIONS
During the first term, all students will be introduced to faculty research projects by attending faculty
presentations. The time and location of the presentations will be arranged by the program
administrator. The students will receive 1 credit of Research Rotation (360-549) for attending these
presentations. In addition, first year students may rotate in laboratories the first term or arrange for
individual readings with faculty.
The student must contact the faculty supervisor of the lab they have chosen to rotate in at least two
weeks prior to the start of the rotation for permission to rotate in their lab and to obtain rotation
requirements. Rotations begin at the start of the term and end at the beginning of the next term.
After the completion of the first year in the program, students must have rotated through at least 3
different labs. The time spent in each lab and the number of credit hours awarded will be decided
by the student and the faculty supervisors. Credit for 1-12 hours is given through the course
"Research Rotation (360-549)". Rotations should be used by the student to identify the student's
mentor for the dissertation research, to learn a variety of techniques, and to become familiar with the
research work in the department.
The primary goal of a rotation is to determine whether the laboratory and faculty mentor will be
suitable for the student’s dissertation research. It is also expected that students will use this time to
learn new techniques and more broadly familiarize themselves with research in the department.
Consistent and active participation in lab activities is strongly encouraged to ensurea good fit for
their dissertation research.
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E. MAJOR DISSERTATION ADVISOR
Near the completion of the first year in the program, students must choose a Major Dissertation
Advisor from the training faculty. Students must submit a form of their preference for a Major
Dissertation Advisor. The student and advisor should review and sign the Student/Mentor compact
(GS form). The student should notify the program administrator of their chosen mentor by
July 1st. Students who do not join a lab by the end of Term 5 (July 1, will have failed to
register for directed research and will be administratively withdrawn from the graduate
program, in accordance with policies of the Graduate School (Section 6.9.2)
Options to students upon the resignation of the Major Dissertation Advisor are as follows:
1. Students who have not been admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. This applies to
students who have not completed the qualifying examination or other requirements for
admission to candidacy.
a. If the student wishes to remain in the Department, the student must select a new
Major Dissertation Advisor.
b. The student may withdraw from the Department and follow the advisor, if the
circumstances permit.
c. If the student wishes to complete the dissertation as a remote student, all
requirements for candidacy and residency must be completed. Until such
requirements are met, the payment of the stipend is not guaranteed, but will be
decided upon discussion of the circumstances among the advisor and the program
directors and the graduate education committee.
2. Students who have been admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. This applies to students
who have passed the qualifying exam and all course requirements and have been admitted to
candidacy by the Graduate School (form GS6) and are engaged in dissertation research.
a. If the student wishes to remain in the Department, the student must select a new
Local Advisor.
b. The student may elect to withdraw from the Department and follow the dissertation
advisor to complete the dissertation research.
c. The student may elect to follow their advisor but to remain a member of the
Departmental Graduate Program and to receive the degree from Baylor.
In the latter case (c), the student must choose a new advisor from the Departmental faculty.
The resigned faculty advisor is appointed as an outside member of the committee and
continues to serve as the operational preceptor for the student.
Evidence must be provided to the Graduate Education Committee that the new institution
accepts the student in an appropriate category and provides facilities and physical resources
to continue the dissertation research. Proof also must be provided that the student will
receive a stipend and health and dental insurance coverage from the new institution that is
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comparable to the support provided by Baylor. The student must apply to the Promotions
Committee, through the Director of Graduate Studies, to be placed on “Remote Status”.
The student must submit semi-annual status reports documenting progress and must have at
two committee meetings a year, at least one at Baylor College of Medicine. The dissertation
is defended at Baylor College of Medicine.
F. DISSERTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Within one month of selecting a Major Dissertation Advisor, the student should select a
Dissertation Advisory Committee. The committee should be selected in consultation with
the Major Dissertation Advisor according to the guidelines below.
1. The student's Dissertation Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the Dean upon written
request from the Departmental Program Director within 12 months following entry into the
program. Written request is submitted on a "Appointment of Advisory Committee (GS1)”
form.
2. The Dissertation Advisory Committee consists of a minimum of four faculty members: 1)
The chairperson of the committee, typically the Major Dissertation Advisor; 2) at least
one additional member whose primary appointment is within the student's department;
and, 3), at least one faculty member from outside the department. An outside member is a
faculty member who holds neither a primary nor a joint appointment in the Department.
A quorum of more than 50% of the committee members are required to hold a meeting.
3. The student will seek advice and counsel from all members of the Dissertation Advisory
Committee regarding dissertation research and the progress of the student’s graduate
education. The Dissertation Advisory Committee must meet every 6 months to review the
student's progress.
4. The initial meeting with the Dissertation Advisory Committee should be held prior to the
last business day preceding December 24thof the second year.
5. The student may change their Dissertation Advisory Committee upon approval of the
Advisor, Dean, and Graduate Program Director by submitting a new “Appointment of
Advisory Committee form”.
G. STUDENT SYMPOSIUM AND DEPARTMENTAL RETREAT
Students 3rd year and above are required to submit an abstract and a poster for the symposium
and departmental retreat, but may request an exemption with written approval from their advisor.
First and second year students may submit abstracts and present posters, but are not required to
do so.
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H. STATUS REPORTS
1. After a student's Dissertation Advisory Committee has been appointed, progress reports
must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on the last business day preceding December 24 (Year 2
Fall Status Report) and the last business day in June (Year 2 Spring Status Report).
Meetings may be held any time prior to the deadline and students are encouraged to arrange
meetings early. Anyone who misses the deadlines will be required to meet with the program
directors promptly to discuss the reasons.
2. The student will schedule the meetings with their Dissertation Advisory Committee.
3. The student should prepare a written progress report of their dissertation work to date.
(Instruction on the second page of the Status Report Signature Page form) This report must
be given to the committee members at least 1 week in advance of the meeting.
4. After the meeting, the student appends the progress report with a summary of the meeting
including any special projects or additional work requested by the committee.
5. The student brings to the meeting the Status Report Signature Page form, which is signed by
all members of the committee (both attending and absent). There are distinct forms
depending on the student year. In addition, the advisor must write a summary of the
meeting, outlining any specific concerns about the student’s progress, prior to obtaining
signatures. The advisor must discuss the summary with the student. The original form
and progress report must be turned into the Graduate School office by the deadline. A copy
of this form must be returned to the Program Administrator along with the written progress
report, copy of presentation and summary of the meeting. An example is
included in the Appendix.
For students 3rd year and above, the status report deadlines are the last business day
of the student’s birth month and the last business day of the 6-month anniversary of
their birth month. The student may hold the committee meeting at any time but must
turn in the status report before these deadlines. The student will receive email
notifications from the Graduate School at 60 and 30 days prior to the deadline. The
program administrator can answer any questions concerning these deadlines.
If a report is not submitted by the appropriate Graduate School deadlines and the student
has had no prior late penalties assessed at previous deadlines, the student will be assessed
a $25 fine. If the completed status report is not submitted within 15 calendar days of the
original deadline, an additional $50 fine will be assessed and if still delinquent after 30
calendar days from the original deadline, the student will receive a grade of F for
Dissertation or Special Projects. The thesis committee will be notified of delinquent
status reports. On the second instance of status report delinquency, the initial fine will be
$50 and if still delinquent, 15 calendar days after the original deadline, the student will
receive a grade of F for Dissertation or Special Projects. On the third instance of status
report delinquency, the student will receive a grade of F for Dissertation or Special
Projects immediately after the original deadline. A grade of F in Dissertation or Special
Projects may be sufficient to cause dismissal from the Graduate School by the
Promotions Committee (Section 6.8). The student may appeal the grade of F, any fines,
and/or their dismissal through the appeals process of the Promotions Committee.
Extensions will not be granted unless there is an outstanding reason.
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I. QUALIFYING EXAM
1. Eligibility, Examining Committee, and the Role of the Advisor:
Within 2 years following entry into the program, students must have taken their qualifying
exam. The exam comprises a preliminary abstract, a written research proposal, and an oral
defense of the proposal. To be eligible, the student must have completed 60 term hours of
course work, all the required courses, with 12 term hours outside the department and 30
hours of graded coursework. Exceptions to the course requirements can be petitioned to the
GEC.
The standing examination committee will be appointed each year by the GEC from the
departmental faculty. The committee or a subset of the committee will constitute the
examination committee. In addition, one outside examiner will be appointed by the standing
committee to provide expertise in the topic of the examination. The student may submit
suggestions for the outside examiner by February 1. The advisor is a nonvoting observer of
the exam – see section 4 below.
2. Qualifying Exam Timeline*
a. The student may suggest an outside examining committee member no later than
February 1. If the student does not suggest an outside member, one will be
assigned by the program director.
b. Abstract due to program administrator no later than February 15.
c. Abstract meeting about 1 week later, as scheduled by the program
administrator. Turn in abstract approval form.
d. Full proposal due 6 weeks from abstract approval date.
e. Submit Qualifying Examination Date form to graduate school (date will be
scheduled by the program administrator).
f. Oral defense within two weeks of proposal submission.
g. Submit the Qualifying Examination Results form to the graduate
school.
h. Complete Admission to Candidacy form and submit to GS.
* The submission schedule will be determined by the GEC for students who have
not completed the requirements on time, are not in good standing, or did not
matriculate in term 1.
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3. Purpose and Guidelines for the Format of the Exam
a. Purpose:
The exam constitutes the definition of a research problem and the
development of a written proposal to address the stated question on a topic of the
student’s choice. This may be the student’s dissertation research or an entirely
different topic. The written proposal will be defended orally. Although the exam is
designed to assess creativity and rationality in the design of research, the student's
basic knowledge of molecular physiology and biophysics will also be examined and
the student is responsible for all information gained during the student’s course of
study (i.e., course work and lab rotations).
b. Abstract:
(i) Students must submit an abstract of the proposal to the program
administrator for review and approval by the Qualifying Exam Committee. The
abstract style should conform to the Grants Writing Course and the NIH Specific
Aims Page. It may be no more than 1 page in length in 11 point Arial or larger
type (12 point for times roman) with 0.5" margins, single spaced.
(ii) Approximately 7 days after submission, students will meet with the
examination committee to discuss the abstract. The meeting will be scheduled by
the program administrator. At this meeting, the student may be asked to briefly
describe the abstract to the committee and answer questions. The committee, in
consultation with the student, will approve the abstract to be used for the qualifying
exam by majority vote and may make suggestions for improvements at this time.
Alternatively the committee may request a new abstract or refer the student to the
GEC. After the abstract has been approved, the student will submit a “Qualifying
Exam Abstract Approval” form, signed by each committee member and the advisor,
to the graduate program administrator. Note – the student is not expected to bring
refreshments to this or any other meetings.
c. Proposal:
The student has 6 weeks from abstract approval to electronically submit the
completed proposal to the graduate program administrator. The graduate program
administrator will distribute the proposal to the committee. The proposal must be
written independently and defended by the student. Students may ask other students
or postdocs to review and critique their proposal prior to submission. Faculty may
only comment on the format, syntax, and grammar prior to submission. In all cases,
the writing and the experimental design must be performed independently by the
student.
The significance and feasibility of the proposal and the relationship of the proposal
to current literature are important criteria for evaluation. Performance on the
qualifying exam determines the student's eligibility for admission to candidacy for
the Ph.D. degree.
d. The proposal should be written in the following format:
i. Specific Aims. List the broad, long-term objectives and describe
concisely and realistically what the specific research described in this
proposal is intended to accomplish and any hypotheses to be tested. One
page is suggested.
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ii. Background and Significance. Briefly describe the background to
the present proposal, critically evaluate existing knowledge, and specifically
identify the gaps which the project is intended to fill. State concisely the
importance of the research described by relating the specific aims to the
broad long-term objectives. Two to three pages are suggested.
iii. Preliminary Studies. Use this section to provide an account of any
preliminary studies pertinent to the proposal. (Optional).
iv. Research Designs and Methods. Describe the research design and
the procedures to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the project.
Include the means by which the data will be collected, analyzed, and
interpreted. Describe any new methodology and its advantage over existing
methodologies. Discuss the potential difficulties and limitations of the
proposed procedures and alternative approaches to achieve the aims.
Provide a tentative sequence of timetable for the investigation. Although no
specific number of pages is suggested for this section, the total for items 1-4
should be approximately 10 pages and may not exceed 20 single spaced
pages (12 point), including all tables and figures.
v. Literature Citations. All literature cited in the proposal must be
listed with titles.
4. Conduct of the Exam and Outcomes:
a. The Qualifying Exam date, time and place will be scheduled by the graduate
program administrator upon approval of the abstract. The graduate program
administrator will notify the student and the committee of the schedule and distribute
the proposal. All members of the Qualifying Exam Committee must be present as
described in the Policy Handbook of the Graduate School.
b. During the oral examination, the student will be expected to give a brief (20 - 30
minute) presentation of the research proposal. The student will be asked questions
by each member of the committee.
c. Failure to meet any of the examination deadlines constitutes failure of the exam.
d. The student's advisor will be allowed to ask questions during the oral exam but
should not lead the student in answering questions posed by other members of the
committee. The chairperson will intervene if the advisor or any other member of the
committee acts inappropriately.
e. The student and the advisor leave the room while the remainder of the Committee
discusses the examination and vote on the results. If necessary, the advisor may be
asked to return to clarify any issues for the Committee. In the case of “Incomplete”,
the student will have to complete specific requirements stipulated by the examining
committee to achieve a pass. Such requirements may include, but are not excluded
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to, revision of the written proposal, a new oral defense, or both. Failure to complete
the conditions will constitute failure of the exam.
f. If the student fails the qualifying exam, the student may be permitted to retake the
exam one time, upon recommendation of the Qualifying Examining Committee,
This may include complete rewriting of the proposal, a new oral defense, or both. In
the event of a second failure, the student will be recommended for dismissal by the
department.
5. Required Forms to be Submitted:
Most forms can be obtained on the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences website,
http://www.bcm.edu/gradschool/grad-forms.html
Abstract Approval Form
This is a departmental form that can be found on the Molecular Physiology and
Biophysics web site. It must be signed by the examining committee, the advisor and
the program director and submitted to the program administrator.
Qualifying Examination Date This form will be completed by the student, signed by the student's major advisor
and the departmental Program Director, and forwarded to the Graduate School
Office prior to the oral exam.
Qualifying Examination Results The student will take the form to the oral exam. The Program Director will indicate
on the form if the student passes or fails and the form is signed by all attending
members of the Examination Committee. The form is forwarded to the Graduate
School Office along with form SGS-12, if applicable.
Admission to Candidacy If the student passes the qualifying exam and all other requirements have been
satisfied, the student should submit the admission to candidacy form to the
administrator and after approval, obtain the other required signatures.
J. DISSERTATION DEFENSE
Upon written consent from the student's Dissertation Advisory Committee on the “Status Report
Signature Page”, the student should begin to write the dissertation following the standard format
outlined in the Policy Handbook of the Graduate School.
The student must submit the original “Defense of Dissertation Date (GS7)” form to the Graduate
School and a copy to the Program Director. The examining committee is the student’s Dissertation
Advisory Committee
Before the defense announcement can be sent, the student must submit a Defense Approval form to
the program administrator. This form affirms that the presented dissertation is submittable for
consideration by the Graduate School and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the defense
date. If the defense approval form is submitted less than two weeks from the defense date, the
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defense date will be cancelled and the student must coordinate with the program administrator to
reschedule.
The student must submit the dissertation to members of the Dissertation Advisory Committee not
less than two weeks prior to the defense.
A dissertation seminar is to be presented as a public event and should be scheduled as part of the
normal departmental seminar series (i.e., at Noon on Tuesdays). At the conclusion of the seminar
the student must answer any questions from the general audience. The Examining Committee will
meet in closed session with the student for the final defense of dissertation. Alternatively, if
scheduling is a problem, the dissertation defense can take place at some other date but should be
within one week of the formal seminar.
Successful defense of the dissertation is indicated by all committee signatures and the approval of
the Dean on the Defense of Dissertation Result Form.
In the case of a single dissenting vote, the Promotions Committee of the Graduate School will
review the decision of the Examining Committee upon appeal by the student or the student's
advisor. The Promotions Committee may recommend awarding the Ph.D., may recommend a new
committee, or may recommend another examination of the student.
K. ETHICAL CONDUCT IN SCIENCE
All students are expected to maintain high ethical standards and conduct throughout their scientific
career, including all academic and research work. Ethical standards are described in the ethics
courses (required for all students) and in the graduate school handbook. Violation of ethical
standards will be reviewed by the GEC to determine punishment, up to and including
recommendation of dismissal from the graduate school.
To help maintain standards, the department may screen all documents and materials written by the
students using plagiarism-detection software, including the qualifying exam, the dissertation and
other written coursework.
L. INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Each student is required to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) at
myidp.sciencecareers.org during the first term of their first year. A summary of the IDP will be
given to the Program Administrator. This IDP will be used as a starting point for the student to
discuss career interests with the program co-directors in year-1 and with their advisor and
committee members in subsequent years. The IDP will be updated by the student as he/she
progresses through the years.
16
MOLECULAR PHYSIOLOGY & BIOPHYSICS CURRICULUM
(30 hours didactic credit required)
REQUIRED COURSES (* = Didactic credit courses)
Term 1 Organization of the Cell (2)* Science as a Profession 1 (0.5) Ethics Year 1 (0.5) Seminar in MPB (1) Research Rotation Term 2 Human Physiology I (3)* Cell Physiology (1)* Grant Writing Year 2 (1)
Ethics Year 2 (0.5) Seminar in MPB (1)
Research Rotation Term 3 Human Physiology II (3)* Ethics Year 3 (0.5) Seminar in MPB (1) Research Rotation Term 4 Introduction to Biostatistics (2)* Transmembrane Signaling (2)*
Seminar in MPB (1) Research Rotation Term 5 Research Rotation
Electives (choose at least 17 hours, to reach total of 30 didactic hours)
BIOPHYSICS and BIOENGINEERING
Term 1 Molecular Methods (3) Term 1 Fundamentals of Human Neuroimaging (3) Term 1 Electrical Signaling in the Brain (2) Term 1&2 Fundamentals of Human Neuroimaging (3) Term 2&3 Functional Magentic Resonance Imaging Lab (3) Term 3 Macromolecules: Structure and Interactions (3) Term 4 Structural Basis of Human Disease (1) Term 4 Cellular Neurophysiology (3)
(Rice courses 3 semester hours ~ 6 BCM credits each)
BIOE 505 Optical Imaging BIOE 507 Systems Biology of Blood Vessels BIOE 512 Biophotonics Instrumentation BIOE 516 Mechanics, Transport, and Cellular Signaling BIOE 517 Instrumentation and Molecular Analysis BIOE 519 Biomaterials Synthesis BIOE 540 Introduction to Synthesis
METABOLISM
Term 1 Molecular Methods (3) Term 2 Cell Signaling (3) Term 3 Gene Regulation (3) Term 3 Macromolecules: Structure and Interactions (3) Term 4 Structural Basis of Human Disease (1) Term 4 Bioinformatics and Genomic Analysis (3) Term 4 Regulation of Energy Homeostasis (3) Term TBD Advanced Topics in Muscle Physiology (TBD) BIOE 540 Introduction to Systems Biology and Systems Biotechnology
CARDIOVASCULAR SCIENCES
All terms: Seminar in Cardiovascular Sciences Term 1 Genetics A (2) Term 2 Genetics B (2) Term 3 Cell Division (2) Term 3 Development (2) Term 3 Gene Regulation (3) Term 3 Neuroscience (1) Term 4 Cardiovascular Physiology (4) Term 5 Cardiovascular Disease and Pathology (4)
NEURAL AND MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY Term 1 Brain Cell Biology (1) Term 1 Electrical Signaling in the Brain (3) Term 1&2 Fundamentals of Human Neuroimaging (3) Term 1&2 Theoretical Neuroscience: Cells, Circuits and Systems (3) Term 2 Anatomy & Development of the Nervous System (3) Term 2 Analyses of Neuronal Function (3) Term 2 Introduction to MatLab for Neuroscience (1) Term 3 Advanced MatLab for Neuroscience (2) Term 3&4 Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab (2) Term 4 Cellular Neurophysiology (3) Term 4 Neurobiology of Disease (3)
PHYSIOLOGY OF CANCER
Term 2 Cancer (3) Term 2 Translational Cancer Biology (2) Term 2 Cell Signaling (3) Term 2 Cell Division (2) Term 3 Immunology (3) Term 3 Gene Regulation (3) Term 4 Regulation of Energy Homeostasis (2)
17
Physiology Recommended Course of Study
Biophysics and Bioengineering
1st Year
* Didactic Credits
Total Term Credits = 12 Term 1
Aug. – Oct.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-GS-501 2* Organization of the Cell Pedersen/Sifers
GS-GS-513/514 1 Science as a Profession/Ethic Gilbert
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
Rice BIOE 516 3* + Mechanics, Transport, and Cellular Signaling Raphael
3* Electrical Signaling in the Brain
GS-GS-502 3* Molecular Methods Gilbert/Highlander
Term 2
Oct. – Dec.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-430 3* Human Physiology I Horrigan
GS-PY-415 1* Cell Physiology Pautler
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
Rice BIOE 516 3* (cont’d) Mechanics, Transport, Cellular Signaling Raphael
3* Functional MRI Lab
Term 3
Jan. – Mar.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-431 3* Human Physiology II Horrigan
GS-GS-518 3* Macromolecules:Structure and Interaction Prasad/Pedersen
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-509 3* Functional MRI Lab
Rice BIOE512 3* BioPhotonics Instrumentation Tkaczyk
Term 4
Mar. - May
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-465 2 Transmembrane Signaling Beeton
GS-GE-407 3* Basic Biostatistics Paylor
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
1 Structural Basis of Human Disease
GS-NE-464 3* Cellular Neurophysiology Wu
Rice BIOE512 3* BioPhotonics Instrumentation Tkaczyk
Term 5
May – Jul.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
18
Physiology Recommended Course of Study
Metabolism
1st Year
* Didactic Credits
Total Term Credits = 12 Term 1
Aug. – Oct.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-GS-501 2* Organization of the Cell Pedersen/Sifers
GS-GS-513/514 1 Science as a Profession/Ethic Gilbert
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
BIOE 540 3* Introduction to Systems Biology and Systems Biotechnology Bio. Dept. Faculty
GS-GS-502 3* Molecular Methods Gilbert/Highlander
Term 2
Oct. – Dec.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-430 3* Human Physiology I Horrigan
GS-PY-415 1* Cell Physiology Bayle
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-CB-425 3* Cell Signaling Weigel
BIOE 540 3* Introduction to Systems Biology and Systems Biotechnology Bio. Dept. Faculty
Term 3
Jan. – Mar.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-431 3* Human Physiology II Horrigan
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-509 3* Gene Regulation Rosen
GS-GS-518 3* Macromolecules:Structure & Interactions Prasad/Pedersen
Term 4
Mar. - May
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-465 2 Transmembrane Signaling Beeton
GS-GE-407 3* Basic Biostatistics Paylor
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
2* Regulation of Energy Homeostasis Moses
3* Adv. Top. Muscle Physiology Rodney
1 Structural Basis of Human Disease Prasad
Term 5
May – Jul.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
19
Physiology Recommended Course of Study
Physiology of Cancer
1st Year
* Didactic Credits
Total Term Credits = 12 Term 1
Aug. – Oct.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-GS-501 2* Organization of the Cell Pedersen/Sifers
GS-GS-513/514 1 Science as a Profession/Ethic Gilbert
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-503 2* Genetics A Rosenberg/Kelley
GS-GS-502 3* Molecular Methods Gilbert/Highlander
Term 2
Oct. – Dec.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-430 3* Human Physiology I Horrigan
GS-PY-415 1* Cell Physiology
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
2 Cell Division
1 Cancer
GS-MB-431 2* Translational Cancer Biology Yustein/Marriot
GS-GS-512 3* Immunology Levitt
Term 3
Jan. – Mar.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-431 3* Human Physiology II Horrigan
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-509 3* Gene Regulation Rosen
Term 4
Mar. - May
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-465 2 Transmembrane Signaling Beeton
GS-GE-407 3* Basic Biostatistics Paylor
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-MV-457J 3* Introduction to Molecular Carcinogenesis Li
GS-CB-468 2* Regulation of Energy Homeostasis Moses
Term 5
May – Jul.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-PG-413 Drug Discovery: From Bench to Bedside
20
Physiology Recommended Course of Study
Neural and Muscle Physiology
1st Year
* Didactic Credits
Total Term Credits = 12 Term 1
Aug. – Oct.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-GS-501 2* Organization of the Cell Pedersen/Sifers
GS-GS-513/514 1 Science as a Profession/Ethic Gilbert
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GSNE400 3* Fundamentals of Human NeuroImaging Ress
Term 2
Oct. – Dec.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-430 3* Human Physiology I Horrigan
GS-PY-415 1* Cell Physiology
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
3* Immunology
GSNE400 3* Fundamentals of Human NeuroImaging Ress
GS-NE430 3* Anatomy and Development of the Nervous
system
Rasband
Term 3
Jan. – Mar.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-431 3* Human Physiology II Horrigan
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-511 1* Neuroscience Jankowski
GS-GS-512 1* Immunology Levitt
GS-NE441 3* Genetics for Neuroscience Deneen
Term 4
Mar. - May
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-465 2 Transmembrane Signaling Beeton
GS-GE-407 3* Basic Biostatistics Paylor
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
3 Adv. Top. Muscle Physiology Rodney
GS-CS-411 4* Cardiovascular Physiology Marrelli
GS-NE-462J 3* Concepts of Learning and Memory Costa-Mattioli/Ji
Term 5
May – Jul.
Course # Credit
Hours
Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-549 Laboratory Rotation
GS-CS-412 4* Cardiovascular Disease and Pathology Marrelli
21
Physiology Recommended Course of Study
Cardiovascular Sciences
1st Year
* Didactic Credits
Total Term Credits = 12 Term 1
Aug. – Oct.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-GS-501 2* Organization of the Cell Pedersen/Sifers
GS-GS-502 3* Molecular Methods Gilbert/Highlander
GS-GS-513/514 1 Science as a Profession/Ethic Gilbert
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-CS-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-503 2* Genetics A Rosenberg/Kelley
GS-CS-465-466 Seminar in Cardiovascular Sciences Marrelli
Term 2
Oct. – Dec.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-430 3* Human Physiology I Horrigan
GS-PY-415 1* Cell Physiology Bayle
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-CS-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-504 2* Genetics B Zhou
GS-GS-505 2* Cell Division Sazer
GS-GS-506 2* Development S. Lee
GS-CS-465-466 Seminar in Cardiovascular Sciences Marrelli
Term 3
Jan. – Mar.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-431 3* Human Physiology II Horrigan
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-CS-549 Laboratory Rotation
Recommended
GS-GS-518 3* Macromolecules:Structure and Function Prasad/Pedersen
GS-GS-509 3* Gene Regulation Rosen
GS-GS-511 1* Neuroscience Jankowski
GS-CS-465-466 Seminar in Cardiovascular Sciences Marrelli
Term 4
Mar. - May
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-CS-411 4* Cardiovascular Physiology Marrelli
GS-GE-407 3* Basic Biostatistics Paylor
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-CS-549 Laboratory Rotation
GS-PY-465 2 Transmembrane Signaling Beeton
Recommended
GS-CS-465-466 Seminar in Cardiovascular Sciences Marrelli
Term 5
May – Jul.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-CS-412 4* Cardiovascular Disease and Pathology Marrelli
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-CS-549 Laboratory Rotation
22
Recommended Course of Study
2nd Year All Areas of Emphasis
Term 1
Aug. – Oct.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS-PY-435 Special Projects
Term 2
Oct. – Dec.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-413 1 Grand Writing Skills Pedersen/Dickinson
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS- PY -435 Special Projects
Term 3
Jan. – Mar.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS- PY -435 Special Projects
Term 4
Mar. - May
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS- PY -435 Special Projects
Term 5
May – Jul.
Course # Credit Hours Course Title Instructor’s Name
Required
GS-PY-466 1 Seminar in Molecular Physiology Larina
GS- PY-435 Special Projects
23
Primary Faculty Members in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Susan L. Hamilton, Ph.D.
Christine Beeton, Ph.D.
Mary Dickinson, Ph.D.
Frank Horrigan, Ph.D.
William Lagor, Ph.D.
Irina Larina, Ph.D.
James Martin, M.D., Ph.D.
Joel Neilson, Ph.D.
Robia G. Pautler, Ph.D.
Steen E. Pedersen, Ph.D.
Ross Poché, Ph.D.
Ergun Sahin, Ph.D.
George Rodney, Ph.D.
Xander Wehrens, M.D., Ph.D.
Joshua Wythe, Ph.D.
Pumin Zhang, Ph.D.
Joint Faculty Members in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Kjersti Aagaard-Tillery, Ph.D.
Christie Ballantyne, M.D.
Penelope Bonnen, Ph.D.
Aladin Boriek, Ph.D.
Biykem Bozkurt, M.D.
Malcolm Brenner, Ph.D.
Robert Bryan, Ph.D.
Wah Chiu, Ph.D
Thomas Cooper, M.D.
William Craigen, M.D., Ph.D.
Miguel Cruz, Ph.D.
Jing-Fei Dong, M.D., Ph.D.
Tony Eissa, M.D.
Mark Entman, M.D.
Xin Hua Feng, Ph.D.
Marta Fiorotto, Ph.D.
K. Jane Grande-Allen, Ph.D.
Yadollah Harati, M.D.
Craig Hartley, Ph.D.
Sandra Haudek, Ph.D.
Joseph Hyser, Ph.D.
Jeffery Jacot, Ph.D.
Amit Joshi, Ph.D.
Kirill Larin, Ph.D
Scott LeMaire, M.D.
Ali Jalilian Marian, M.D.
Sean Marrelli, Ph.D.
Lloyd Michael, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Neul, Ph.D.
Paul J. Pfaffinger, Ph.D.
Cecile Phan, M.D.
Florante A. Quiocho, Ph.D.
Amina Qutub, PhD
Peter Saggau, Ph.D.
Daryl Scott, M.D., Ph.D.
Richard Sifers, Ph.D.
George Taffet, M.D.
Addison Taylor, M.D., Ph.D.
Qiang Tong, Ph.D.
Vinod Vijayan, Ph.D.
Wainerdi, Richard, Ph.D.
Samuel M. Wu, Ph.D.