Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (PhD)

The Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) graduate program provides an exciting and vigorous academic environment for highly motivated and qualified students to prepare for a rewarding career in biomedical research.  The MGDB program brings together faculty in both basic and translational sciences, including researchers from the Magee-Womens Research Institute, the Aging Institute, the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Department of Biological Sciences.  MGDB faculty are pursuing research projects that address fundamental, contemporary issues in biology and medicine using molecular genetic, genomic and computational tools in a spectrum of models from yeasts, worms, flies and mice to human studies.  MGDB research is centered at the cutting edge of evelopmental & Reproductive Biology, Geroscience & Aging Biology, Stem Cells & Regeneration, and DNA Damage & Repair. Our work has direct relevance to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, fertility/infertility, and age-related diseases and regenerative medicine. We are committed translating our bench discoveries to the bedside and graduate students are fully integrated in all aspects of our investigative work.