Application Process
The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology is a university-wide interdisciplinary training program that draws upon clinical and basic sciences from multiple departments and medical school divisions of the University of Miami.
The scientific focus is cancer research, emphasizing fundamental cellular processes, the deregulation in cancer, and the identification of novel diagnostics and therapeutic targets. In addition to training in technical aspects, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on scientific reasoning as the most essential and portable aspect of Ph.D. training.
The cross-disciplinary training includes novel concepts and state-of-the-art techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, proteomics, structural biology, cell biology, pharmacology, and molecular medicine. This training is integrated into the extensive clinical and translational research programs of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Research in cancer biology stands out by the scale and rate at which basic science translates into tangible changes in the treatment of patients. At the same time, information flows back rapidly from the clinic to direct the next frontier in basic science and innovation.
To make maximum use of this exciting research environment, scientists need training in the relevant clinical concepts to translate questions and research needs back into their setting and to engage in collaborative efforts. Cancer biology graduate students receive guidance from both a research mentor and a physician mentor to facilitate this training. The research mentor is the dissertation advisor. The physician mentor provides a clinical perspective in cancer biology, including issues of diagnosis, management, and treatment of cancer patients and clinical research.
Key Areas of Research
|
|
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
The U was a phenomenal fit for me due to the culture of diversity and acceptance, academic excellence and scientific ambition. The close relationship with SCCC allows for a real bench-to-bedside perspective by giving access to clinical grand rounds, tumor boards and direct mentorship by clinicians in the field.