If you’re interested in applying to the Stowers Graduate School’s Ph.D. Program, click here.

What initially attracted you to the Stowers Graduate School, and why did you choose to apply here?

I originally worked as a Research Technician at the Stowers Institute and during this experience I came to appreciate the Institute’s collaborative nature. Working across disciplines with Technology Centers allowed me to learn from leaders in a wide range of fields. During the application process, I visited other graduate schools across the country and noticed that students often lacked this support and collaboration. For a graduate student eager to learn, the Institute's accessibility to technology and dedication to creating a collaborative environment where you can discuss and refine ideas with experts is invaluable.

What unique aspects of the Stowers Graduate School program have had the biggest impact on your research and academic development?

In addition to the Technology Centers, the Stowers Graduate Program is incredibly supportive and generous with networking opportunities, such as conferences or courses. These experiences not only bolster our knowledge but foster scientific networking and professional development.

How has the collaborative environment at Stowers helped shape your research experience so far?

The collaborative environment at the Stowers Institute has expanded my knowledge of what is possible and what can be learned. Coming to experts across the Institute with a goal and working through building a method to achieve it not only teaches me how to integrate guidance, but also how to expand the scope of the questions I’m asking.

Can you share a moment or experience that made you feel particularly proud or inspired during your time here?

I collaborated extensively with our Computational Biology Technology Center, which has greatly enhanced my skill set. Although I started graduate school with a beginner’s understanding of bioinformatics, through collaborating with computational experts, I have gained robust and independent programming skills. This has provided me with the opportunity to travel to the Wellcome Sanger Institute to partake in a European Molecular Biology Laboratory course on Genome Sequencing Analysis.

What do you believe sets Stowers Graduate School apart from other graduate programs in terms of resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth?

While grant writing remains an important aspect in our training, the Stowers Institute’s funding system allows graduate students to dedicate themselves to their science and ask significant and impactful questions.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering Stowers Graduate School? What makes it a great fit for future researchers?

The Stowers Graduate School is an exceptional place to expand your technical skills and deepen your scientific knowledge. If you enjoy collaborative science and are passionate about asking significant questions regarding the foundations of biology, the Institute and Graduate School are a great fit for you.

How has the Stowers Graduate School supported your career goals, both in terms of your current research and your professional development?

Many Stowers Investigators are leaders in their fields. Through my PI’s position and support, I’ve had the opportunity to network and collaborate with other top scientists around the world. I believe this, in combination with the Graduate School’s support of conferences and advanced training opportunities, is adequately preparing me for my career goals.