GSBS recognizes pivotal achievement for PhD students

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences honored 44 newly qualified PhD candidates with a formal ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 17, marking the milestone achievement as they transition from classroom-based learning to candidacy for a doctoral degree. The event recognized those who have successfully completed the Qualifying Exam.

Chancellor Michael F. Collins said this has been an outstanding year for the graduate students. GSBS students have been recognized nationally for their work by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; soon the medical school will award its 700th PhD; and GSBS students have authored more than 2,300 publications.

“The world is impressed with what is being accomplished here,” said Chancellor Collins. “Given the current challenges to biomedical research funding, our faculty and students continue to thrive and receive support and accolades for the work that you do.”

Terence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medicine, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, said the students are now transitioning from answering questions posed to them to asking questions about scientific discovery.

“Students are the lifeblood of our institution in many ways,” Dr. Flotte said. “Labs that don’t have graduate students are different. You bring a creative spark, a fresh way of looking at things, new ideas and an unbiased perspective to problems. We thank you for that.”

In congratulating the newly qualified PhD candidates, GSBS Dean Anthony Carruthers, PhD, said, “There’s nothing quite like being the first to recognize a new biological phenomenon or to be the first to explain the details of a previously unexplained phenomenon. What you do will extend our understanding of the human condition in health and disease.”

Associate Dean Mary Ellen Lane, PhD, recognized the students who were admitted to doctoral candidacy in academic year 2013-14: Those students are: