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ATLANTA— Georgia State University’s Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) has welcomed its first class of nine Ph.D. students enrolled in an innovative interdisciplinary program meant to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the biomedical sector.
“Typical doctoral programs are meant to prepare graduates for positions in academia, but we knew there was a need to train students for more diverse careers in the biomedical industry,” said Dr. Tim Denning, director of graduate education in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences. “We designed a unique curriculum that integrates classroom education, laboratory research and professional development to ideally position graduates to become leaders in a wide range of fields, including biotech/pharma, entrepreneurship and consulting, education and outreach, and government.”
The Doctor of Philosophy in Translational Biomedical Sciences degree program is unique in its interdisciplinary approach, which spans science, business and law. The program offers an educational focus in microbial pathogenesis, infectious disease, vaccinology, immune regulation, cardiovascular and metabolic disease and translational medicine, along with training in entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialization of scientific discoveries through the J. Mack Robinson College of Business and the College of Law. It delivers professional development through a partnership with the College of Business’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute as well as the private sector. Students will conduct research with renowned faculty members in the institute’s advanced research facilities.
“Historically translational medicine is defined as ‘bench to bedside,’ but there are many steps in between, from legal protection of scientific discoveries to business development,” Denning said. “Our curriculum addresses components of each step while still providing a very strong biomedical science foundation. The goal is for our graduates to become poised to address the most challenging health-related issues of the 21st century.”
The Ph.D. program is the second graduate program created within IBMS. A Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Biomedical Enterprise degree program began in fall 2016. Both programs were developed under the guidance of Dr. Timothy Renick, vice provost and vice president for enrollment management and student success, and Dr. Lisa Armistead, associate provost for graduate programs, in conjunction with Dr. Kyle Frantz, senior faculty associate for special programs.
“With more than $20 million in annual research funding, IBMS faculty include some of the world’s top scientists. Now these scholars are committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation,” Armistead said. “Their innovative Ph.D. program offers unprecedented training across disciplinary boundaries.”
For more information about the master’s and doctoral degree programs, visit https://biomedical.gsu.edu/academics1/.