UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy doctoral students have the opportunity to explore various research labs to identify the most suitable match for their academic pursuits while pursuing their PhD degree.
A novel approach has been introduced by UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, offering PhD students an alternative method to complete their degree. Previously, students were assigned directly to a specific lab upon entry into the graduate program. However, starting in the fall of 2023, aspiring graduate students can opt for a lab rotation scheme, enabling them to sample multiple research environments before selecting their preferred lab at the conclusion of the rotation period.
By embracing the lab rotation model, students can engage with esteemed research facilities both within the college and at external institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This innovative approach broadens the horizons for students, empowering them to delve deeply into their research interests and pinpoint the ideal setting for their advanced studies.
Devi Naga Jyothi Bale, a first-year PhD candidate, embraced the rotation format, allowing her to immerse herself in three distinct labs during her initial year of doctoral studies. The experience of rotating through various labs exposed her to diverse teaching methodologies and work dynamics, offering invaluable insights into the research process. Bale expressed her satisfaction with the rotation system, highlighting how it facilitated her transition from a focus on pharmacy to molecular biology.
Similarly, Homa Rezaei, another first-year PhD student, appreciated the opportunity to explore different research projects before making a definitive commitment. This approach enabled Rezaei to refine her research interests before finalizing the subject area for her graduate studies. She emphasized the distinction between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, citing her own shift in interest from structural biology to other facets of the field following her rotation experiences.
Contrasting the rotation option, the traditional direct placement route at UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy involves prospective PhD students directly applying to work with a specific research lab aligned with their interests. This process entails application reviews, faculty engagement, interviews, and eventual enrollment in the chosen lab—a method favored by students with predetermined research goals.
For instance, Mir Shahriar Kamal, a first-year PhD student working under the mentorship of Dr. Wei Li, pursued his passion for anti-cancer drug development by selecting Dr. Li’s lab for his Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD. Kamal’s proactive engagement with his supervisor prior to joining the lab enabled him to align his academic pathway with his research interests effectively.
In a similar vein, Mojtaba Zarei’s research affinity for immunotherapy harmoniously aligned with the research focus of Dr. Chalet Tan’s lab, making her an ideal candidate for direct placement. Zarei’s decisive research direction negated the need for lab rotations, as she was poised to commence her research immediately upon enrollment.
During the previous academic term, four students who opted for the lab rotation approach successfully identified a permanent research home. While the conventional direct placement method suits students with clear research inclinations, the new rotation system empowers students to explore, experiment, and ultimately discover the optimal match for their graduate research endeavors. These flexible options not only enhance student opportunities for success but also contribute to addressing healthcare challenges in Tennessee and beyond.