Program Overview

Introduction to the Molecular and Cellular Biology Program

The Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) program at Dartmouth was founded in 1994 and is an interdisciplinary graduate program. Its mission is to train highly qualified students for productive careers in research, teaching, and biotechnology through the completion of a Ph.D. degree.

Program Overview

• The program consists of over 200 students from across the United States and twenty different countries and over 90 faculty members.
• Faculty members include members of the National Academy of Science and AAAS as well as recipients of NIH MERIT and NSF CAREER awards.
• MCB research is interdisciplinary and encompasses a wide range of topics, including:
  • Biophysics and structural biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Cancer biology
  • Cell biology
  • Circadian biology
  • Computational and quantitative biology
  • Developmental biology
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Genomics and proteomics
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular pathogenesis and host-microbe interactions
  • Neuroscience
  • Plant molecular biology
  • Regulation of gene expression
  • Signal transduction and cellular metabolism

Program Structure

• MCB labs are located across campus in Vail and Remsen Buildings, the Life Sciences Center, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, and the Thayer School of Engineering, in addition to the Borwell, Rubin, and Williamson Translational Research Building at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
• Faculty members are from one of four departments: Biological Sciences, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular and Systems Biology, and/or associated with the Dartmouth Cancer Center.

Funding and Support

• MCB research is funded by Federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NASA, and the USDA.
• Private foundations also provide funding, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Gates Foundation, and many others.
• The MCB community is supported by numerous training grants, program projects, and externally funded Centers.

Graduate Student Experience

• Graduate students receive an annual stipend, health insurance, and a full-tuition scholarship.
• Thirty to thirty-five students matriculate each year.
• Research rotations during the first year provide students the opportunity to explore diverse research interests and then make an informed decision when selecting a thesis lab.
• Each student works closely with a thesis advisor and has the opportunity to interact daily with other members of the program.
• Graduate student "research in progress" seminars are held on a weekly basis, providing both an opportunity to learn about each other's research and to obtain feedback from faculty and students.

Inclusive Culture

• The program places a high priority on building and supporting an inclusive culture for faculty and students.
• MCB partners with the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies to recruit a dynamic student body to Dartmouth.

Research Areas

• The program encompasses a wide range of research areas, allowing students to explore their interests and contribute to cutting-edge science.
• The interdisciplinary nature of the program fosters a collaborative environment, with students and faculty working together to advance knowledge in their fields.

Conclusion

The Molecular and Cellular Biology program at Dartmouth offers a comprehensive Ph.D. experience, combining core and elective courses with teaching and research experiences. With its strong faculty, diverse research areas, and commitment to inclusivity, the program is well-suited for students seeking a rigorous and supportive academic environment.