Ph.D. in Tumor Biology 

Raed Nabil Samara B.S. in Biology & Chemistry     Valparaiso University M.S. in Biotechnology     Georgetown University Situated in the nation's capital, GUMC provides its students with close connections not only to important governmental agencies such as the NIH and FDA, but also to several established private and public biotech businesses. The Tumor Biology program, specifically, offers countless unique opportunities. Its student body represents a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds, exposing me to more diverse and dynamic interactions among my colleagues. It is an interdisciplinary program, which is reflected in both the offered courses and interests of faculty. During the first three semesters, we went through a rigorous and intensive curriculum, which covered essential topics needed for a solid scientific foundation. When it is time to choose a lab for thesis work, one cannot go wrong. The program includes a large number of faculty members who represent almost every department of GUMC. Their interests cover a wide spectrum of research areas ranging from cancer metastasis to translational research. I have been involved in a couple of projects: one studies the effects of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species on the metastasis of colorectal cancer, while the other aims at identifying potential targets for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma. My experience so far has been a very positive one, and I am looking forward to continuing my work towards my PhD.

Matthew Swift B.S. in Biology      University of Virginia M.S. in Natural Science     SUNY at Buffalo After my graduation from the University of Virginia, I joined the ranks of what seemed like every other biology major who had aims for medical school admission.  Fortunately, I was soon introduced to biomedical research during my time after graduation and quickly decided that post-graduate study and research was more suited to my tastes.  Upon completion of an M.S. in Natural Science through the SUNY at Buffalo cooperative program with Roswell Park Cancer Institute, I discovered that research science was a field of study that I wished to continue.  After a brief period spent as an entry-level laboratory technician, I decided I needed to go for my doctorate in order to advance my career.  While researching potential options, I discovered the Tumor Biology Ph.D. Program at Georgetown University.  Having spent a period of time immersed in the study of carcinogenesis at Roswell, I was especially drawn to the strength of the Lombardi Cancer Center, an integral part of many of the Graduate Biomedical Programs at Georgetown University.  The introductory curriculum of the Tumor Biology Program as well as the variety of electives offered through the Medical Center provided a solid foundation for my future research. The first year of classes was also spent in laboratory rotations that allowed me to ?test drive? a lab and mentor in order to find out which situation would be best for me. Sure enough, I quickly found a lab to conduct my thesis research in an environment in which I was most comfortable.  Departmental Data Meetings, Faculty and Student Journal Clubs, and a steady diet of topical Seminars have allowed me to further grow as a research scientist after formal classes had ended.  I am on track to complete my thesis right on time and am more than pleased with the opportunities afforded to me here at Georgetown as I continue my career in Biomedical Research.

Return to Testimonials main page.

( Return to TOP )

---