Ph.D. in Tumor Biology 

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.

 

M.S. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
(with specialization in Biotechnology) 

Mehrnaz Haji-Momenian B.S. in Chemistry University of Virginia After having graduated from UVa, I didn't really know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I looked into everything from working as a teacher to working as a researcher. I also looked into a lot of graduate programs in the Washington, DC area. So, I applied to everything I was interested in, including the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department at Georgetown University. Since I was in the area, I actually went into GU and spoke with the director of the program. He seemed very enthusiastic about his program and spoke of the many opportunities it offered after leaving. After being accepted into the program, I decided that it indeed was the right path to take for me. The program lasts one year but yet significantly raises your earning and learning potential. After this program, I am very certain that I will have the skills that are in extreme demand in the scientific research/industrial setting, along with the knowledge to go onto any number of continuing schools (like medical, dental, or pharmacy). The best part of the program, though, is the director and the group of professors he has selected to teach the courses--they are so smart, entertaining, and easy to talk to. I know that I have made the right decision by going into a graduate program at Georgetown University.

M.S. in Physiology
(with specialization in Complementary & Alternative Medicine) 

Karen Alladin B.A. in Spanish University of Virginia Knowing how competitive the medical school application process is, I knew that I had to explore my options after graduating from UVA.  I wanted to gain more experience in the sciences and build my academic record before applying to medical schools, so I began looking into several Post-Baccalaureate and Masters programs.  I was immediately intrigued by the Masters in Physiology Program that Georgetown offers, with a track in Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  After hearing about the exciting variety of classes and learning how the Program?s faculty and staff are so devoted to helping each student reach his or her goals?in medicine and in other fields?I was excited about coming to Georgetown this fall.  I feel honored to be a part of this pioneering program at Georgetown, a school with a reputation and rich tradition that reminds me of my wonderful experiences at UVA.  This program has opened up my eyes about so many issues that face the medical field today, especially the future of its scope and practice.  I know that my studies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine will play a very positive role in my future as a doctor, as well as in shaping the course of Medicine in the years to come.

Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Laila Zai B.S. in Neurobiology University of Virginia I graduated from UVA in ?98 with a BS in Neurobiology.  I loved my major, and wanted to dive deeper into it before committing to one sub-field.  I applied to several graduate Neuroscience programs including Georgetown University's Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, which was highly recommended to me by the chair of UVA?s Neuroscience Department.  Once I began the interview process, I understood why Dr. Steward was so impressed by Georgetown. The faculty were friendly, knowledgeable, and most importantly, dedicated mentors.  This positive attitude towards training was well reflected in the students, who were friendly, helpful, and supportive, and had a great sense of community. These traits became increasingly important as I began my graduate experience.  My mentors combined rigorous and challenging classes with a nurturing environment, giving me the creativity, diligence, and confidence I needed to become a successful scientist.  I have had hands-on experience with skills to which most graduate students are not exposed, qualifying my for highly competitive jobs in academia.  My search for post-doctoral fellowships has been a very positive experience, where I have had my choice of any position or program in the country.  While dedication and talent play a large role in one?s accomplishments, I know much of my success is due to my well rounded education and training.

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