Pennsylvania State University’s Doug Cavener, Ph.D., was the guest speaker at Monday’s reception for incoming biomedical graduate students. Here, he talks with, from left, Courtney Copeland, Cassie Retzlaff, Star Winters and Vicki Cavener. (photo by Anne Rayner)
Biomedical graduate students bring international perspective
Vanderbilt’s incoming class of biomedical graduate students includes the first participants in the new Vanderbilt International Scholar Program (VISP).
Designed to recruit outstanding international students into Vanderbilt’s biomedical research programs and support them throughout their studies, VISP scholars were chosen out of a competitive pool of non-U.S. citizen applicants.
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP) enrolled seven VISP students, and the Chemical and Physical Biology Admissions (CPBA) program enrolled one.
From left, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program students Amy Russo, Becca Klar, Jennifer Phelan and Megan Capozzi enjoy Monday’s welcoming event. (photo by Anne Rayner)
“This international focus has allowed us to recruit the best and brightest, regardless of the cost. We’re excited about the new perspectives these international students will bring and welcome the diversity,” said James Patton, Ph.D., IGP director.
The CPBA program, aimed at students who wish to pursue research in areas that span the boundaries of the chemical, physical and biological sciences, has its largest and most diverse class of students this year.
CPBA enrolled 15 students hailing from four countries and 13 states. Twenty percent come from groups underrepresented in science and 53 percent are female.
“This increase in enrollment and diversity is a testament to Vanderbilt’s reputation as a top research institution,” said Dave Piston, Ph.D., chair of CPBA. “These students are the highest caliber, and we’re excited to welcome them to Vanderbilt.”
The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program (IGP), for students interested in biological and biomedical research, enrolled 73 students. They represent five countries and 31 states and territories. Twenty-three percent come from groups underrepresented in science, and 63 percent are female.
“We are thrilled to have such an outstanding class this year and are fully committed to their training and to helping them pursue careers in biomedical research,” Patton said.
Students listed research opportunities and the quality of the faculty as their reasons for coming to Vanderbilt.
Incoming biomedical graduate students hail from five countries and 31 states and territories. (photo by Anne Rayner)
“Vanderbilt's national reputation in the field of diabetes was extremely significant in my decision to join this year's IGP class,” said student Chris Wilson. “I originally applied to Vanderbilt because the unique interdisciplinary program that it offered seemed like an opportunity to gain a broader perspective of scientific research.”
In the first year of these programs, students complete coursework and laboratory rotations, after which they choose the departments where they will complete their training and engage in dissertation research.
The new graduate students will be welcomed into the profession in the second annual Simple Beginnings ceremony, Friday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m. in 208 Light Hall. It is open to the public, and faculty are encouraged to attend.