Search

CMB Training Program

Overview

Training Program

Frequently Asked Questions

UVA Cell and Molecular Biology graduate students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For over 35 years, the Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) Training Program at the University of Virginia (UVA) has been cultivating future STEM leaders. Our trainees not only excel in research but also go on to fill a wide range of critical roles across the American STEM workforce. UVA offers a dynamic graduate program in the biomedical sciences, where Ph.D. students begin their training through a unified, interdisciplinary curriculum in their first year. After selecting a research lab at the end of that year, students continue with specialized training tailored by their chosen department, ensuring both breadth and depth in their scientific education.

The CMB Program  concentrates on the second, third and fourth years of training when students are embarking on their journey of becoming independent research scientists. A key objective of the program is to complement the specialized, department-based training with broad exposure to the diverse approaches and cutting-edge techniques used across the biomedical sciences. To support this, the program offers a comprehensive array of classes, workshops, retreats, and monthly meetings designed to equip trainees with the essential skills and resources for a productive and enriching research experience.

Central to our mission is the fact that CMB is a vibrant and continuously evolving program that works with students and faculty to build on our current strengths, identify new areas of focus and develop mechanisms to address our perceived weaknesses.

Our overarching goal is to develop PhD scientists that combine outstanding laboratory experiences with strong communication skills and broad interests the biomedical sciences.  We feel these are the essential elements to develop scientists that will have a love of science and the tools for lifelong learning in a STEM field.

Training Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

Students apply for admission through one of the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs and are selected for the CMB program after the first year of graduate school.  Apply here: Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs

The School of Medicine (SOM), of which the program is a part, has an application deadline of December 1st, and openings to the program are usually filled by mid-April. Therefore, early application is essential to ensure consideration.

The University of Virginia strictly adheres to it non-discrimination policy in admitting students to educational programs.

Goals

The success of the CMB graduate training program can be attributed to:

    1. The reputation of the University of Virginia, which brings together outstanding faculty and students.
    2. The long history of cooperation and collaboration among the faculty.
    3. A history of a student-centered program that is constantly evolving.
    4. The structuring of our programmatic activities that directly address our goals.
    5. Strong institutional commitment to both graduate training and to an infrastructure to oversee the entire graduate student experience.

Distribution of CMB trainees across departments at the University of Virginia

2021-2025