Picture courtesy of
Dr. Edward Arnold (Rutgers University)

Center for Molecular Biophysics
& Biophysical Chemistry
Rutgers University
610 Taylor Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854

Phone: 732/445-6376

Fax: 732/445-1493

Dissertation Research

Trainees may carry out dissertation research in the laboratories of any member of the program faculty, regardless of graduate program or institutional affiliation. Each student is expected to spend 8-10 weeks in the laboratories of 2-3 different members of the molecular biophysics group before selecting a dissertation advisor. Students are encouraged to take their rotations in different areas: for example, one in nucleic acid structure or interactions, one in protein structure or interactions, one in molecular design. At least one of the rotations should be involved with the structural investigation (either by experimental or theoretical means) of a biopolymer. The choice of a research supervisor will be made after consultation with the Director and/or Program Committee. The number of trainees per laboratory is limited to assure the close interaction of individual students and faculty. Exceptions can be made to meet perceived needs, opportunities, etc.

Students interact closely with their dissertation advisors in the execution of their research. They are encouraged to develop and test their own ideas in the course of their work and are expected to participate in regular research group meetings. With the assistance of training grant and faculty research support, they can take specialized short courses and workshops related to their research interests (e.g., instrumentation training, supercomputer orientation, etc.) as well as deliver short oral presentations and/or present posters of their work at national meetings.