IBMS - Program Track

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (IBMS) Individualized Research Track: 

All incoming student start on the IBMS track. After they choose a lab, they, along with their mentor and program leadership, can opt to change to one of the departmental specialized tracks.

The IBMS Individualized Research Track is designed to provide doctoral students with a flexible, interdisciplinary framework that transcends traditional departmental boundaries and supports emerging areas of biomedical discovery. Building upon the core scientific and professional competencies of the IBMS curriculum, this track allows students, in collaboration with their faculty mentors and advisory committees, to develop customized programs of study tailored to their specific research interests and career goals. Students may integrate coursework, laboratory experiences, and scholarly training from multiple disciplines—including but not limited to neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, genomics, bioinformatics, health disparities research, translational medicine, and biomedical engineering—to create specialized concentrations that reflect contemporary scientific challenges. The track promotes innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and individualized training while maintaining rigorous standards in research, scientific communication, grant writing, and responsible conduct of research. Through this model, the IBMS program prepares graduates to become independent scientists capable of leading transformative research in academia, industry, government, and clinical research settings.