For Additional Information:

Diana R. Maue
Graduate Recruitment and Communication Coordinator
Phone: (304) 696-3365
Email: maue1@marshall.edu

Synthia "Cindy" Bailey
Executive Assistant to Vice Dean
Research & Graduate Education
Phone: (304) 691-1841
Email: bailey332@marshall.edu

Marie Murphy
Administrative Assistant
Phone: (304) 696-7278
Email: murphyma@marshall.edu

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (PhD)

Overview

Thank you for your interest in the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (MU JCESOM) PhD program.

In addition to taking an interdisciplinary approach to, and developing a broad basis in, the biomedical sciences, PhD students in the MU JCESOM graduate program may work in one of the following areas of interest with a faculty mentor within the department:

Epithelial transport
Regulation of intestinal sodium, glucose, amino acid
- Regulation of renal Na-K-ATPase
- Obesity related disorders
Intestinal inflammation
Renal disease
Toxicology
Breast cancer
Pulmonary disease
Addiction associated diseases
Diabetes
Hypertension
Bone growth abnormalities
Lipid homeostasis
Neurosciences

Centers of research include:

When entering the PhD research program, students are required to complete rotations through a minimum of three different laboratories, each rotation consisting of at least 120 hours. These rotations help students build rapport with faculty and students, decide on their preferred area of research, and learn new research techniques.

For a complete list of research interests, see the faculty tabs below.

Faculty - Biomedical Sciences

Piyali Dasgupta, PhD
Associate Professor

Beverly Delidow, PhD
Associate Professor

James Denvir, PhD
Associate Professor

Richard Egleton, PhD
Associate Professor
Research Cluster Coordinator

Todd L. Green, PhD
Associate Professor
Co-Director of Graduate Studies

Lawrence Grover, PhD
Associate Professor

W. Elaine Hardman, PhD
Professor

Brandon Henderson, PhD
Assistant Professor

Jung Han Kim, PhD
Professor

Emine C. Koc, PhD
Associate Professor

Wei Li, MD, PhD
Associate Professor

Jiang Liu, MD, PhD
Associate Professor

Elsa L. Mangiarua, PhD
Professor

William D. McCumbee, PhD
Professor

Sandrine V. Pierre, PhD
Associate Investigator
Education Coordinator

Donald Primerano, PhD
Vice Chair of Biomedical Sciences
Professor/Director Genomics Core

Gary O. Rankin, PhD
Professor
Chair Biomedical Sciences

Laura Richardson, PhD
Professor
Director of Pre-Clinical Education

Travis B. Salisbury, PhD
Associate Professor

Nalini Santanam, PhD, MPH, FAHA
Professor
Research Cluster Coordinator

Maria A. Serrat, PhD
Associate Professor

Vincent Sollars, PhD
Associate Professor
Director of the Flow Cytometry Core

Monica Valentovic, PhD
Professor
Research Cluster Coordinator

Zijian Xie, PhD
Director, Marshall Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR)

Hongwei Yu, PhD
Professor
Research Cluster Coordinator

Sasha N. Zill, PhD
Professor

Faculty - Clinical & Translational Sciences

Subha Arthur, PhD

Assistant Professor

Shelvy L. Campbell

Assistant Dean of Diversity

Alfred A. Cecchetti, PhD, MSc, MSc IS

Clinical Informatics Data Architect

Todd Davies, PhD

Director Research Development & Translation

Todd Gress, MD, MPH

Assistant Dean & Director Clinical Research

Isabel Larre', PhD

Assistant Professor, DCTS

Uma Sundaram, MD

Vice Dean, Chairman, DCTS

Yangling Yan, PhD

Assistant Professor

Application Deadline, Application Process, and Financial Information

Minimum Admission Requirements

Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
One year of general biology, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry, all with associated laboratories. Although biochemistry and cell biology are not requirements for admission, they are highly recommended.
There is no minimum GRE score requirement; however, a score in the 50th percentile or greater on each section, verbal and quantitative, is preferred.
3.0 GPA, based on a 4.0 scale.

Application Deadline

Biomedical Sciences PhD – PRIORITY Deadline March 1 for best chance of admission
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed until the class is filled. Applications will be considered after the deadline if openings are available.

Application Process

Domestic applicants must complete the following:

Graduate School Application – http://www.marshall.edu/graduate/select-your-degree-or-certificate-program/how-to-apply-for-admission/ For the PhD program please use the code: GM90.
Non-refundable application fee – You should receive an email with a link to submit payment within 24 work hours of submitting your application. If you do not, please e-mail services@marshall.edu for assistance. You may also call to pay over the phone during regular business hours: 304-746-1901.
Official transcript from degree-granting institution – May be directly emailed from your school’s registrar’s office to services@marshall.edu or mailed directly from that office to: Office of Graduate Records and Admissions, Marshall University, 100 Angus E. Peyton Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303.
Official GRE scores – Marshall’s institution code is 5396.
BMS Online Form – Once you choose the program to which you are applying, you will be prompted to upload unofficial documents (i.e. transcript/s, GRE scores, written statement, and résumé/CV).
Three recommendations – Please follow the instructions on the form (accessed through the BMS Online Form) and ask your referees to e-mail the letters/forms to mubiomed@marshall.edu.

International applicants must complete the following:

Meet International Admission Office requirements – http://www.marshall.edu/graduate/admissions/international-admission/
Official GRE scores – Marshall’s institution code is 5396.
BMS Online Form – Once you choose the program to which you are applying, you will be prompted to upload unofficial documents (i.e. transcript/s, proof of English proficiency, GRE scores, written statement, and résumé/CV).
Three recommendations – Please follow the instructions on the form (accessed through the BMS Online Form) and ask your referees to e-mail the letters/forms to mubiomed@marshall.edu.

Financial Assistance and Grant Opportunities

Accepted PhD students receive tuition remission, an annual stipend of $25,000, and health insurance. Students also have access to Marshall University’s Student Health Clinic. Students are required to pay a small amount in fees per term. These fees for 2017-18 are $561 per fall and spring terms, and $375 for summer.

Marshall’s JCESOM PhD program does not require its students to teach within the classroom to qualify for stipend funding; this allows students to focus on the requirements of their research. Opportunities for classroom instruction are available, however, and instruction in public speaking is a core element of the program.

In addition, students are expected to apply for grants. Examples of some of the fellowships and local grants that Marshall’s PhD students have received are on our Student Funding Opportunities page.

Apply NOW!

Core Curriculum

Students in the PhD program complete the following core set of courses:

Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Proteins (BMS 601)
Introduction to Cell Structure and Metabolism (BMS 602)
Regulation of Cell Function (BMS 603)
Cellular Basis of Disease (BMS 604)
Statistical Techniques for the Biomedical Sciences (BMS 617)
Communication Skills for Biomedical Sciences (BMS 660 and 661)
Seminar (BMS 680, minimum of 6 hours)
Introduction to Research (research rotations) (BMS 785)
Research (BMS 882, maximum of 15 hours)
Responsible Conduct of Research (BMS 644)

Students also must successfully complete additional courses as determined by their advisory committee. Please consult the advisory committee to learn more about their respective requirements.

Students select an advisory committee no later than the end of the first year of graduate education. The committee usually consists of at least five faculty members with appropriate expertise.

Duration of Program

Students generally complete the requirements of the PhD degree within five years. Students who possess a Master of Science degree in biomedical sciences or the equivalent when admitted generally require three to four years to complete the PhD degree.

Current PhD Students

Taha Ahmad

Mentor: Gary Rankin, PhD
Project Name: Studying Cytochrome 2B6 Genetic Polymorphisms in Sudden Death of Methadone Users in WV and KY
Undergraduate Institution: New Jersey City University
Graduate Institution: Marshall University (Forensic Science)
Hobbies: Baking, cooking
Email: ahmad7@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Roy Al Ahmar

Mentor: Hongwei Yu, PhD
Project Name: Alginate regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Undergraduate Institution: University of Balamand
Graduate Institution: Marshall University (Forensic Science)
Hobbies: Body building, rugby, boxing, SLEEPING
Email: alahmar@marshall.edu

Deborah Amos

Mentor: Nalini Santanam, PhD, MPH, FAHA
Project Name: Effects of Exercise on Appetite Regulation and Gut Microbiome in a Novel Antioxidant Mouse Model
Undergraduate Institution: University of Charleston
Hobbies: God, lab, jogging, eating, community service, and knitting
Email: amos23@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Marshall Barbe

Adam Belcher

Mentor: 1st year student
Project Name: 1st year student
Undergraduate Institution: Marshall University
Hobbies: Computer building, video games, running, martial arts
Email: belcher111@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Sarah Binion

Mentor: 1st year student
Project Name: 1st year student
Undergraduate Institution: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Email: binion2@live.marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Lexie Blalock

Mentor: Hongwei Yu, PhD
Project Name: In vitro Cultivation and Genetic Characterization of Segmented Filamentous Bacteria
Undergraduate Institution: West Liberty University
Hobbies: Showing Arabian horses, road biking, triathlons, traveling, reading, cooking
Email: keding@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Arrin Brooks

Shanai Brown

Molly Butts

Mentor: Uma Sundaram, MD
Project Name: Investigation of intestinal transporters BOAT1 and SN2 in mouse and human enteroids
Undergraduate Institution: Allegheny College
Hobbies: Spending time with my dog, participating in the Marshall women’s rugby club, backpacking around the tristate area, and swimming at the Marshall Rec Center with other BMS students
Email: butts15@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Skylar Cooper

Jamie Friedman

Mentor: Piyali Dasgupta, PhD
Project Name: Structure Activity Relationship study of Capsaicin Derivatives, Arvanil, Olvanil, Palvinl, etc., in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Undergraduate Institution: Bethany College
Hobbies: Working out, playing softball, taking dog on walks and adventures, hanging out with BMS students on weekends and during lunches
Email: friedman4@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Christian Harris

Minqi Huang

Mentor: Zijian Xie, PhD
Project Name: Drug Development based on Na/K-ATPase
Undergraduate Institution: Wuhan University (China)
Hobbies: Soccer, reading
Email: huangm@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Caroline A. Hunter

Mentor: Emine Koc, PhD
Project Name: The role of post-translational modifications of mitochondrial translation components in mitochondrial biogenesis.
Undergraduate Institution: Roanoke College
Hobbies: Playing tennis, listening to and playing music, hanging out with friends, any sort of crafts
Email: hunter118@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Laura Kutz

Mentor: Zijian Xie, PhD and Sandrine Pierre, PhD (co-mentors)
Project Name: The Role of Na/K-ATPase α1 Signaling in Skeletal Muscle
Undergraduate Institution: Ohio University
Hobbies: Hiking and picnicking, baking, traveling, memorizing the specials at local restaurants
Email: kutz@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Mani Maheshwari

Mentor: Oscar A. Carretero, MD
Project Name: Role of AcSDKP and altered hemodynamics in obesity related renal disease
Undergraduate Institution: 4. Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, India
Hobbies: Traveling, listening to music
Email: Maheshwari4@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Becca Martin

Mentor: Jian Liu, PhD
Project Name: If PNaKtide is targeted to adipocytes, is kidney function and hypertension ameliorated through released mediators such as inflammatory markers and ROS?
Undergraduate Institution: Davis and Elkins College
Email: martin570@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Garrett Muckleroy

Mentor: 1st year student
Project Name: 1st year student
Undergraduate Institution: Washington and Lee University
Hobbies: Skiing, soccer, reading, hiking, camping
Email: muckleroy@live.marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Shreya Mukherji

Mentor: 1st year student
Project Name: 1st year student
Undergraduate Institution: VES College of Pharmacy, Mumbai
Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Photography
Email: mukherji@live.marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Niraj Nepal

Mentor: Uma Sundaram, MD
Project Name: Role of Na/K ATPase in intestinal Epithelial cells during maturation
Undergraduate Institution: Kathmandu University, Nepal Graduate University, West Virginia State University
Hobbies: Hiking and trekking
Email: nepal@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Will O'Toole

Mentor: Richard Egleton, PhD
Project Name: Buprenorphine’s role in Endothelial Dysfunction and Architecture of Developing Vasculature through Modulation of BDNF
Undergraduate Institution: Marshall University
Hobbies: Amtgard, paintball, lifting weights, reading philosophy texts
Email: otoole4@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Jackie Parkman

Mentor: Jung Han Kim, PhD
Project Name: Molecular mechanism of lfi202b on high fat diet induced obesity
Undergraduate Institution: Washington State
Email: parkman@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Sean A. Piwarski

Mentor:Travis Salisbury, PhD
Project Name:TCDD Regulates JAGGED1 via the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Undergraduate Institution: California Lutheran University Graduate: Marshall University
Email: piwarski@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Holly Racine

Mentor: Maria Serrat, PhD
Project Name:Heat enhanced activity of bone-lengthening drugs in the growth plate
Undergraduate Institution: Seton Hill University
Hobbies: being a mom (that counts right?), hiking, skiing, upcycling projects (such as restoring old furniture)
Awards: A. american association of anatomists travel awards 2014, 2015 & 2016 and B. NASA Space Grant Consortium Graduate Research Fellowship 2014-2015 titled “Unilateral heating to increase IGF1 uptake and bone length in mice”
Meetings presented at: A. Experimental Biology 2014-2016 and B. Marshall University Research Day 2013 & 2016
Email: tamski@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Cecilia Sierra

Sarah Stevens

Mentor: Shekher Mohan, PhD
Project Name: Assessing the effects of neuroprotective agents in a mouse model of opioid-induced neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
Undergraduate Institution: Cedarville University
Hobbies: Kayaking, white water rafting, reading, running
Email: stevens107@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Dakota Ward

Mentor: Monica Valentovic, PhD
Project Name:
Undergraduate Institution: Marshall University
Email: ward210@marshall.edu
Click Here to View Publications

Questions?

We hope you have an interest in the PhD program at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the Co-Directors listed below.

PhD