Human Genetics and Genomics, PhD

School of medicine, ph.d. program.

The Johns Hopkins Human Genetics Training Program provides a training in all aspects of human genetics and genomics relevant to human biology, health and disease. 

Advances in human genetics and genomics continue at an astounding rate and increasingly they are being integrated into medical practice. The Human Genetics Program aims to educate highly motivated and capable students with the knowledge and experimental tools that will enable them to answer important questions at the interface between genetics and medicine. Ultimately, our trainees will be the leaders in delivering the promise of genetics to human health.

The overall objective of the Human Genetics program is to provide our students with a strong foundation in basic science by exposure to a rigorous graduate education in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and biostatistics as well as a core of medically-related courses selected to provide knowledge of human biology in health and disease. 

This program is also offered as training for medical students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program.  Students apply to the combined program at the time of application to the M.D. program. (See section entitled Medical Scientist Training Program).

Research Facilities

Research laboratories are well equipped to carry out sophisticated research in all areas of genetics. The proximity to renown clinical facilities of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, including the Department of Genetic Medicine, and Oncology Center provides faculty and students with access to a wealth of material for study. Computer and library facilities are excellent. Laboratories involved in the Human Genetics Program span Johns Hopkins University; consequently supporting facilities are extensive.

Financial Aid

The program is supported by a training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. These fellowships, which are restricted to United States citizens and permanent United States residents, cover tuition, health care insurance and a stipend during year one.  Once a student has joined a thesis lab, all financial responsibilities belong to the mentor.   Students are encouraged, however, to apply for fellowships from outside sources (e.g., the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Scholars Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute) before entering the program.

Applicants for admission should show a strong academic foundation with coursework in biology, chemistry and quantitative analysis.   Applicants are encouraged to have exposure to lab research or to data science.  A bachelor's degree from a qualified college or university will be required for matriculation.  GREs are no longer required.

The Human Genetics site has up-to-date information on “ How to Apply .” For questions not addressed on these pages, please access the contact imformation listed on the program page: Human Genetics and Genomics Training Program | Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine (hopkinsmedicine.org) .

Program Requirements

The program includes the following required core courses: Advanced Topics in Human Genetics, Evolving Concept of the Gene, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Cell Structure and Dynamics, Computational Bootcamp,  Pathways and Regulation, Genomic Technologies, Rigor and Reproducibility in Research, and Systems, Genes and Mechanisms of Disease. Numerous elective courses are available and are listed under sponsoring departments.

Our trainees must take a minimum of four electives, one of which must provide computational/statistical training.

The HG program requires the “OPTIONS” Career Curriculum offered by the Professional Development and Career Office.  OPTIONS is designed to provide trainees with the skills for career building and the opportunity for career exploration as well as professional development training

Human Genetics trainees also take a two-week course in July at the Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor, Maine entitled "Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics: The McKusick Short Course" which covers the waterfront from basic principles to the latest developments in mammalian genetics. The faculty numbers about 50 and consists roughly in thirds of JAX faculty, Hopkins faculty and “guest” faculty comprising outstanding mammalian geneticists from other US universities and around the world.

The courses offered by the faculty of the program are listed below. All courses are open to graduate students from any university program as well as selected undergraduates with permission of the course director.

Trainees must complete three research rotations before deciding on their thesis lab.  They must also participate in the Responsible Conduct of Research sessions offered by the Biomedical Program; starting at year 3, students must attend at least two Research Integrity Colloquium lectures per year. 

Our trainees participate in weekly journal clubs, department seminars, monthly Science & Pizza presentations as well as workshops given twice a year on diversity, identity and culture.

At the end of the second year, trainees take their Doctoral Board Oral Examination.  Annual thesis committee meetings must be held following successful completion of this exam.

Average time for completion is 5.3 years.

Graduates from the Human Genetics program pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry, teaching, government, law, as well the private sector.  Our trainees are encouraged to explore the full spectrum of professional venues in which their training my provide a strong foundation. Driven by curiosity and a desire for excellence, our trainees stand out as leaders in the chosen arenas of professional life. They are supported in the development of their career plans by a program faculty and administration who are dedicated to their success, and by a myriad of support networks across the Johns Hopkins University, many of which are provided by the Professional Development Career Office of the School of Medicine.

Quantitative Genomics and Genetics

A rigorous treatment of analysis techniques used to understand complex genetic systems. This course covers both the fundamentals and advances in statistical methodology used to analyze disease and agriculturally relevant and evolutionarily important phenotypes. Topics include mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs), application of microarray and related genomic data to gene mapping, and evolutionary quantitative genetics. Analysis techniques include association mapping, interval mapping, and analysis of pedigrees for both single and multiple QTL models. Application of classical inference and Bayesian analysis approaches is covered and there is an emphasis on computational methods.

When Offered  Spring.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: BTRY 3080 and introductory statistics or equivalent

  • Students will learn a statistical modeling strategy that is both basic and general, as well as how to apply this strategy to learn information about biological systems when analyzing genome-wide data. More specifically, students will learn the mathematics and interpretation of linear statistical models.
  • Students will learn what these models can be used to infer when applied to genome-wide genetic and related data.
  • Students will learn how to effectively and efficiently analyze large-scale genomic data and how to program in R for this purpose.
  • Students will learn the limits of interpretation when applying these statistical models to genomic data when inferring information about a biological system.

To learn more, please visit:  https://classes.cornell.edu/browse/roster/SP23/class/BTRY/4830 .

Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences 1300 York Ave. Box 65 New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6565 Fax: (212) 746-5981

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Go to the Faculty list

The groups in this concentration use a number of different model systems and seek to understand distinct fundamental aspects of biology.  Such complementary approaches and perspectives fuel robust interactions and collaborations between groups.

The training in this concentration is broad and consists of interdisciplinary education through research, specialized courses in advanced topics, and integration of several disciplines, and often involves collaborative efforts between preceptors from various fields. Recommended specialized courses include Advanced Eukaryotic Molecular Biology, Principles and Methods in Systems Biology, Genetics and Epigenetics, Statistics for Life Sciences, and Quantitative Biology.

Some of the research and training efforts of faculty in this concentration are coordinated through the Center for Cell and Developmental Systems Biology, which supports understanding multicellularity from a molecular, cellular and systems perspective. Depending on the specific research topic, outstanding students in this concentration may be nominated for support by the Biotechnology Training Program or the Cellular and Molecular Basis of Disease Training Program.

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Faculty List

Luis Amaral

Luís Amaral, PhD  Email:   [email protected]   Research Interests:  Integrative approach to modeling cellular signaling pathways

Katherine Amato

Katherine Amato, PhD   Email:   [email protected]   Research Interests:  Biological Anthropology

Xiaomin Bao

Xiaomin Bao, PhD   Email:  [email protected] Research Interests: Epigenomic regulation of stem cell maintenance and differentiation

Shelby Blythe

Shelby Blythe, PhD   Email:  [email protected] Research Interests:  Developmental control of chromatin structure & embryo pattern formation

Rosemary Braun

Rosemary Braun, PhD   Email:  [email protected] Research Interests:  Computational biology at multiple scales

Jason Brickner

Jason Brickner, PhD   Email:  [email protected] Research Interests:  Cell biology of transcription

Linda Broadbelt headshot

Linda Broadbelt, PhD Email:  [email protected] Research Interests: Metabolic network analysis and kinetic modeling

Richard Carthew headshot

Richard Carthew, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Quantitative and systems biology

Jenna Christensen

Jenna Christensen, PhD   Research Interests:  Intracellular transport diversity and regulation

Marco Gallo headshot

Marco Gallio, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Processing of temperature stimuli in the brain

Erica Hartmann, PhD

Erica Hartmann, PhD Email:  [email protected] Research Interests:  Effect of anthropogenic chemicals on microbes in the environment

Curt Horvath headshot

Curt Horvath, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Signal transduction and gene regulation in innate immune responses to cancer and viruses

Neil Kelleher headshot

Neil Kelleher, PhD Email:  [email protected] Research Interests: Top-down proteomics, natural products discovery, chromatic oncobiology, and computational proteomics

Carole LaBonne

Carole LaBonne, PhD   Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Stem cells, gene regulatory networks and the evolution of vertebrates

Keara Lane

Keara M. Lane, PhD Email:  [email protected] Research Interests:  Dynamic single-cell profiling of host-pathogen interactions

Joshua Leonard

Joshua Leonard, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Engineering cellular systems and biomolecules for immunotherapy, synthetic biology, and biotechnology

John Marko headshot

John F. Marko, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Protein-DNA interactions, and chromosome structure and dynamics

Andrew Miri

Andrew Miri, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests: Neural mechanisms of motor system function

Richard Morimoto

Richard I. Morimoto, PhD Email:   [email protected]  Research Interests: Cell stress responses, molecular chaperones and protein conformational disease

Christian Petersen

Christian P. Petersen, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Molecular and cellular basis of regeneration

Danielle Tullman headshot

Danielle Tullman-Ercek, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Engineering of membrane proteins and protein membranes

Keith Tyo headshot

Xiaozhong (Alec) Wang, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Genetic analysis of protocadherin diversity in the central nervous system

Eric Weiss headshot

Eric Weiss, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Signaling pathways in the control of cell architecture

yue yang

Yue Yang, PhD Email:   [email protected] Research Interests:  Epigenetic programming of neural circuits

quantitative genetics phd

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This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

Program goal

The program is designed to provide students with the skills required to advance to positions as researchers and trainers in a broad spectrum of positions in human and molecular genetics. The structure of the program provides a framework for the progressive development of a mastery of the current state of the subject matter in human and molecular genetics and an ability to synthesize this information and apply this foundation to the identification of key areas of investigation and experimentation in this discipline. The program relates the above framework to the development of the ability to design, implement and interpret experimental approaches which address the questions identified. In addition, the program will develop skills in the various means of communicating both the core of human and molecular genetics knowledge and the expression of experimental design, results and interpretation to a variety of potential audiences.

Student learning outcomes

Human genetics core outcomes.

  • Oral communication skills: The candidate will demonstrate the achievement of an appropriate level of oral communication skills with respect to the content, organization, logical flow, presentation and appropriate use of language incorporating the use of visual aids, as measured by rubric.
  • Written communication skills: The candidate will demonstrate the achievement of an appropriate level of written communication skill with respect to grammar, syntax, spelling and use of vocabulary to effectively present information including the use of figures, tables and citations as measured by rubric.
  • Experimental design: The candidate will demonstrate the achievement of an appropriate level of competence in the ability to appraise, modify and/or create, and implement experimental protocols and to design and develop experiments as measured by rubric.
  • Problem-solving skills: The candidate will demonstrate an appropriate level of skill in the identification and selection of meaningful problems to be addressed in research in human and molecular genetics, including the ability to defend said identifications and to design and develop appropriate methods to solve said problems as measured by rubric.
  • Integrated knowledge of human and molecular genetics: The candidate will demonstrate an appropriate level of knowledge of the current elements of human and molecular genetics as related to disciplinary specialization and a more detailed understanding of the individual area of scholarship, including an appropriate familiarity with the research literature and the ability to evaluate and critique publications as measured by rubric.

Quantitative human genetics concentration-specific learning outcome

  • ​Application of quantitative genetic methods: The candidate will demonstrate the ability to understand methods currently used in statistical genetics to map genetic variation onto complex traits, including the practical application of these methods to existing genetic and phenotypic data, which requires the appropriate use of computational methods for data management, statistical model building and reporting.

VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs

The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.

It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.

Degree candidacy requirements

A graduate student admitted to a program or concentration requiring a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation, must qualify for continuing master’s or doctoral status according to the degree candidacy requirements of the student’s graduate program. Admission to degree candidacy, if applicable, is a formal statement by the graduate student’s faculty regarding the student’s academic achievements and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following degree candidacy policy as published in the VCU Graduate Bulletin for complete information and instructions.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on degree candidacy requirements.

Graduation requirements

As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.

Other information

School of Medicine graduate program policies

The School of Medicine provides policies applicable to all programs administratively housed in the school. Information on  doctoral programs   is available elsewhere in this chapter of the Graduate Bulletin.

Apply online today.

Admission requirements

Special requirements.

  • International applicants must score 100 or greater on the TOEFL.
  • Applications for the program must be submitted to the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Portal – School of Medicine – Ph.D. selected from the drop-down menu of programs on the VCU online application form.
  • Applications to the BSDP should be completed (i.e. receipt of all forms, letters, transcripts, etc.) by Dec. 1 of the year prior to the anticipated enrollment year. Applications completed after this date will be reviewed only as remaining spaces permit.

In addition to the  general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School , successful applicants will typically have the following credentials:

  • A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent at the time of enrollment, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5
  • TOEFL scores of 600 (pBT), 250 (cBT) or 100 (iBT) for individuals for whom English is a second language; or 6.5 on the IELTS (To report TOEFL score, use VCU Code 5570.)
  • Personal statements, which should include: long-term career goals to assess reasons behind the candidate’s application; how a Ph.D. in biomedical science helps achieve those goals; the factors motivating a career in research; research experience, including dates, places and duration
  • Three letters of recommendation that speak to the scientific competency and experience of the applicant
  • The equivalent of two semesters of general chemistry, two semesters of organic chemistry and two semesters of upper-level biology courses (e.g. cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, physiology, biophysics, etc.)

The Department of Human and Molecular Genetics offers a comprehensive program in graduate study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Genetics. The program includes the completion of an original research project under the supervision of a faculty adviser and a background/foundation of courses that prepare students for research-oriented careers in the rapidly expanding field of human genetics. Major areas of study available to Ph.D. students in the program include clinical and molecular cytogenetics, molecular genetics, developmental genetics, cancer genetics, behavior genetics, population and quantitative genetics, genetic epidemiology, clinical genetics and genetic counseling. Once core course work requirements have been completed, the student’s course plan is tailored to meet individual needs with regard to the area of research focus. For more detailed information on the program visit the  program website .

Degree requirements

In addition to the general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements , students must complete a minimum of 86 graduate credit hours. The program requires at least three years of study for students entering with a B.S. or B.A. degree and must be completed within eight years.

The training programs in human and molecular genetics are intended to set the tone for a career and lifelong learning in human and molecular genetics by developing the student’s knowledge of the field and skills in writing, laboratory techniques, critical thinking, data interpretation, study design, literature research and review, and integration of data from multiple disciplines while fostering the student’s development as an independent researcher, laboratory director or teacher. These programs also seek to provide students with a core foundation of knowledge that will equip them to carry out translational research and for later work leading to certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics.

Students working toward the Ph.D. degree in human genetics pass through two stages of graduate study. The first stage consists primarily of course work recommended by the department and the student’s graduate committee; the second stage consists of original research leading to the doctoral dissertation. Ph.D. students are expected to complete the required course work within four semesters and one summer, and they are intended to set the tone of a lifelong research career. In order to be considered in good academic standing, a student must maintain a 3.0 grade point average. The focus then shifts to the student’s development as an independent researcher with emphasis being placed upon the development and execution of an original research project leading to the doctoral dissertation.

After the second year of study, students will take the Ph.D. candidacy examination. This exam comprises two parts, a departmental comprehensive examination and a written NIH-style application with an oral examination administered by the student’s graduate committee. Upon successfully completing the departmental comprehensive and the oral exam, the student is admitted to Ph.D. candidacy. At this point, students are expected to develop and conduct dissertation research projects and to write and defend their dissertations describing their dissertation research.

Curriculum requirements

HGEN 610  should be taken every fall and spring semester beginning the spring term of the first year. 

HGEN 690  should be taken every fall and spring semester.

HGEN 697  should be taken every semester following the first year of study.

The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 86.

Students who complete the requirements for this concentration will receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Genetics.

Typical plan of study

Many students often end up taking more than the minimum number of hours required for a degree program. The total number of hours may vary depending upon the program, nature of research being conducted by a study or in the enrollment or funding status of the student. The program requires at least three years of study for students entering with a B.S. or B.A. degree and must be completed within eight years. Students complete this degree program on average within five years. Students should refer to their program websites and talk with their graduate program directors or advisers for information about typical plans of study and registration requirements.

Contact Rita Shiang, Ph.D. Associate professor and graduate program director [email protected] (804) 628-4083

Additional contact Timothy P. York, Ph.D. Assistant graduate program director [email protected] (804) 828-8757

Program website: gen.vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia 23284 Phone: (804) 828-0100 [email protected]

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PhD Studies in Life and Biomedical Sciences

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quantitative genetics phd

Genetics, the science of inheritance and variation among living organisms, can be traced back to the seminal work of Gregor Mendel, published in 1866. Yet today genetics is one of the most fast-moving fields of biomedical research. Technological progress driven by the relatively new science of genomics, the study of the genomes of organisms, has led to rapid advances over the past few years. We now have the complete DNA sequence of many genomes and are able to decipher the mechanisms that regulate gene expression, configure chromatin architecture, recruit transcription factors and activate or silence individual loci or gene networks. Moreover, we can investigate the cross-talk between the genome and the epigenome, the modifications that alter gene expression but do not change the underlying DNA sequence. These dynamic processes are critical for normal development and differentiated function of distinct cell types in an organism and their failure results in a wide spectrum of human diseases.

Northwestern University is home to a vibrant and interactive group of scientists carrying out world-class, state-of-the-art research into fundamental mechanisms of genetics, genomics and epigenomics. The Genetics and Genomics cluster enhances and builds advanced training for our graduate students in these subject areas. This is an inclusive training opportunity that is available to all trainees on the several university campuses, irrespective of their primary field of study, or their departmental or geographical affiliations.

Training opportunities include:

1.  State of the art workshops.  Workshops will focus on technology or computational biology relevant to genetics and genomics Recent workshops include practical classes on bioinformatic pipelines, and programming skills.

2.  Genetics and Genomics seminars.  High profile scientists will be chosen and invited by the trainees.  Other relevant seminar series and journal clubs are ongoing.

3.  Annual Symposium.  This event is organized jointly by the cluster leadership and the trainees. It brings eminent keynote speakers to the university and includes talks from Northwestern faculty and students. The symposium provides an opportunity for the students to showcase their work and network in the Northwestern Genetics and Genomics community.

Cluster Director

  • Christine DiDonato, PhD Professor, Pediatrics, Director, Human Molecular Genetics Program, SMCRI

Training Faculty  

1. Chromatin and Epigenetics.

  • Jason Brickner*, PhD (IBiS) Spatial organization of the nucleus and gene expression
  • Debabrata Chakravarti*, PhD (DGP) Hormone signaling and chromatin modifications
  • Ramana Davuluri*, PhD (DGP) Translational bioinformatics and cancer genomics
  • Kyle Eagen*, PhD (DGP) Structural and biochemical basis of chromatin folding and chromosome segregation
  • Daniel Foltz*, PhD (DGP) Centromeric chromatin assembly and chromosome segregation
  • Lifang Hou*, MD, PhD (DGP) Environmental, genetic and epigenetic risk factors for disease
  • Steve Kosak*, PhD (DGP) Nuclear Form and Function during Cellular Differentiation and Disease
  • John Marko*, PhD (IBiS) Protein-DNA interactions, and chromosome structure and dynamics
  • Christopher Payne*, PhD (DGP) Epigenetics of Stem Cells and the Stem Cell Niche
  • Ali Shilatifard*, PhD (DGP) Molecular machinery for histone modifications
  • Sadie Wignall, PhD (IBiS)  Chromosome dynamics during oocyte meiosis
  • Jindan Yu*, PhD (DGP) Genetic and epigenetic pathways to prostate cancer
  • Wei Zhang*, PhD (DGP) Genetics and epigenetics of complex traits

2. Regulation of Gene Expression and Transcription Factors.

  • Ravi Allada*, MD (IBiS) Molecular Genetics of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
  • Erik Andersen*, PhD (IBiS) Gene identification and disease susceptibility
  • Grant Barish*, MD (DGP) Transcriptional regulators of inflammation and metabolism
  • Joseph Bass*, MD, PhD (DGP) Circadian and metabolic gene networks in the development of diabetes and obesity
  • John Crispino*, PhD (DGP) Transcriptional regulation of normal and malignant blood cell development
  • Marco Gallio*, PhD (IBiS) The processing of temperature stimuli in the brain
  • Jamie Garcia-Anoveros*, PhD (DGP)  Sensory and Developmental Neurobiology
  • Geoff Kansas*, PhD (DGP) Transcriptional control of Fut7 in hematopoeitic cells
  • Carole LaBonne*, PhD (IBiS) Formation, migration and differentiation of neural crest cells
  • Vijay Sarthy*, PhD (DGP) Gene regulation, development and functional organization of the vertebrate retina
  • Beatriz Sosa-Pineda*, PhD (DGP) Role of homeodomain-containing transcription factors in pancreas and liver organogenesis
  • Alex Stegh*, MD, PhD (DGP) Defining and targeting the oncogenome of glioblastoma
  • Eric Weiss*, PhD (IBiS) Signaling Pathways in the Control of Cell Architecture
  • Jane Wu*, MD, PhD (DGP) Molecular mechanisms regulating gene expression and their involvement in the pathogenesis of age-related disease

3. Animal Models for Human Genetic Disease.

  • Greg Beitel*, PhD (IBiS) Molecular Genetics of Organ Morphogenesis
  • Thomas Bozza*, PhD (IBiS) Molecular Genetics and Physiology of Olfaction
  • Richard Carthew*, PhD (IBiS) RNAi and Gene Regulation
  • Gemma Carvill*, PhD (DGP) Genetic causes and pathogenic mechanisms that underlie epilepsy
  • Jaehyuk Choi*, MD, PhD (DGP) Genetic basis of inherited and acquired immunological disorders and skin diseases
  • John Crispino*, PhD (DGP) Mechanisms of normal and malignant blood cell growth
  • Christine DiDonato*, PhD (DGP) Molecular basis of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
  • Yuanyi Feng*, PhD (DGP) Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cerebral cortex development
  • Alfred George, Jr.*, MD (DGP) Structure, function, pharmacology and molecular genetics of ion channels and channelopathies
  • Richard Green*, MD (DGP) Genetics and molecular biology of cholestatic liver diseases and fatty liver disorders
  • Robert Holmgren*, PhD (IBiS) Cell-fate specification during development
  • Jennifer Kearney*, PhD (DGP) Genetic basis of epilepsy
  • Dimitri Krainc*, MD, PhD (DGP) Mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders
  • Nikia Laurie*, PhD (DGP) Molecular mechanisms of retinoblastoma progression
  • Yong-Chao Ma*, PhD (DGP) Regulation of motor neuron and dopaminergic neuron function in development and disease
  • Puneet Opal*, MD, PhD (DGP) Cellular basis of neurodegeneration
  • P. Hande Ozdinler*, PhD (DGP) Cortical component of motor neuron circuitry degeneration in ALS and related disorders
  • Teepu Siddique*, MD (DGP) Causes, mechanisms, and modeling of neurodegenerative disorders
  • Fred Turek*, PhD (IBiS) Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
  • Xiaozhong (Alec) Wang*, PhD (IBiS) Genetic Analysis of Protocadherin Diversity in the Central Nervous System

4. Novel Genetic Technologies and Bioinformatics.

  • Rosemary Braun*, PhD, MPH (IBiS) Analyzing high-throughput genomic data in the context of biological systems
  • Elizabeth McNally*, MD, PhD (DGP) Genetic mechanisms responsible for inherited human disease
  • Minoli Perera*, PharmD, PhD (DGP) Pharmacogenomics research in minority patient populations
  • Ishwar Radhakrishnan*, PhD (IBiS) Structure, function, dynamics and informatics of macromolecular complexes
  • Jonathan Silverberg*, MD, PhD, MPH (DGP) Dermatoepidemiology
  • Matthew Schipma, PhD, Technical Director NGS Core Facility
  • Justin Starren*, MD, PhD (DGP) Health care computing
  • Ji-Ping Wang, PhD Bioinformatics and genomics
  • Deborah Winter*, PhD (DGP) Computational immunology

5. Genetics of Complex disease.

  • Grant Barish*, MD (DGP) BCL6 in gluconeogenesis, diet-induced obesity, and insulin resistance
  • Han-Xiang Deng, MD, PhD
  • M Geoffrey Hayes*, PhD (DGP) Evolutionary population genetics and genetic epidemiology
  • Peter Kopp*, MD (DGP) Molecular genetics of thyroid and other endocrine disorders
  • William Lowe*, MD (DGP) IGF-1 Gene Expression and Genetics of Diabetes
  • Elizabeth McNally*, MD, PhD (DGP)  Genes and Modifiers for Heart and Muscle Disease
  • Teepu Siddique*, MD (DGP) Molecular basis of neurodegeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Margrit Urbanek*, PhD (DGP) Susceptibility genes for complex diseases
  • Lawrence Jennings, MD, PhD Novel molecular assays
  • Suzanne O’Neill, MS, PhD, CGC Quantitative genetics
  • Maureen Smith, MS, CGC Genome-wide Studies
  • Cathy Wicklund, MS, CGC Genetic Counseling
  • Laurie Zoloth, PhD Bioethics

Driskill Graduate Program (DGP) 303 East Chicago Avenue Morton 1-670 Chicago, IL 60611-3008 Phone: 312- 503-1889 Fax: 312-908-5253 Website URL: DGP Email: [email protected]

Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences (IBiS) 2205 Tech Drive Hogan 2-100 Evanston, IL 60208 Phone: 847-491-4301 Fax: 847-467-1380 Website URL: IBiS Email: [email protected]

SOM town hall

Join Dr. Saavedra in recognizing our school's accomplishments over the last six months at our virtual town hall, Oct. 19 at noon.

Department of Human and Molecular Genetics

Human Genetics Ph.D. Program

VCU’s Human Genetics Ph.D. program provides rigorous, interdisciplinary training across all aspects of human genetics and genomics.

Human Genetics Ph.D. Alumni  Outcomes since 2012: 79% Academics, 16% Industry, and 5% Clinical Professions

Our faculty are committed to supporting the next generation of scientists and academics in the field, and graduates of the program have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia, government, clinical and private industry laboratories. Over the course of three to six years, doctoral students develop the ability to design, implement and interpret experimental approaches to address questions across a broad spectrum of research areas, including:

  • Cancer genetics
  • Clinical genetics
  • Cytogenetics
  • Data science
  • Developmental genetics
  • Genetic epidemiology
  • Molecular genetics
  • Psychiatric and behavioral genetics
  • Quantitative genetics
  • Translational research

We also offer a quantitative human genetics concentration for Ph.D. students.

More information on the VCU Graduate Bulletin

Atfi Lab

“'The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see' (Alexandra K. Trenfor).  This quote has always resonated with me because it emphasizes the importance of empowering students to explore and discover knowledge on their own, rather than simply providing them with answers."

Roxann Roberson-Nay, Ph.D.

Interim Graduate Program Director

Program Structure

The first stage of the Ph.D. program focuses primarily on coursework, to develop a solid background in biomedical sciences such as data science, statistics and scientific integrity. Courses also include introductory and advanced explorations of mendelian genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, statistical genetics, clinical genetics, genomics, disease pathogenesis and the study of complex disorders. The curriculum also includes journal clubs and seminars. Students must complete the required courses within four semesters and one summer.

Full curriculum

During the first year, students rotate through three laboratories to explore different areas of research. By the end of the first year, students are expected to select a faculty mentor for their dissertation work and formally join the program.

During the second year, students identify faculty members to serve on their graduate advisory committee and shift their attention to an original research project and related activities such as publishing articles and presenting at conferences. Upon completion of the research project, students prepare a written dissertation based on their findings, which they present in a public seminar and defend to their graduate advisory committee.

  • Departmental research
  • More information about dissertation requirements

Full-time doctoral students typically receive financial support that includes a stipend (currently $31,500 per year) and health insurance, plus tuition and fees for the duration of their training as long as they are making satisfactory academic progress. Students are eligible for travel grants through the Graduate School .

Life in Richmond

We encourage our students and trainees to maintain a healthy, balanced life, and Richmond is a wonderful place to engage in that well-rounded lifestyle. As a mid-sized city with a metropolitan population of 1.3 million, Richmond provides stimulating activities while maintaining its intimate feel and unique vibe. 

Learn about our community ❯

Photograph of Richmond city and the James River.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Portal , or BSDP, which is an entry point for students interested in doctoral training in the biomedical sciences. After creating an account with the Graduate School at VCU , select “Application for all other graduate programs,” then select “Biomedical sciences – Undifferentiated – Doctoral Portal,” before completing the application.

Admission requirements for the Ph.D. in human genetics can be found at the VCU Bulletin:

Full admission requirements

  • The online application form
  • Official undergraduate transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Your research or experience
  • Why you are interested in the Ph.D. program
  • Your main research interests
  • A short list of prospective faculty mentors
  • Any career plans you have
  • Other information that may help us evaluate your qualifications as an M.S. trainee
  • A copy of the financial guarantee or reward level if supported by a scholarship

After completing the online applications, documents that cannot be submitted electronically, such as official transcripts, should be mailed to the following address:

Virginia Commonwealth University Office of Admissions Box 843051 Richmond, Virginia 23284-3051

  • TOEFL, IETLS, Duolingo or Pearson Test of English scores (international and non-native English-speaking applicants only)
  • World Education Services
  • Educational Credential Evaluators
  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers

Do I need GRE scores to apply for the program? We currently do not require GRE scores for admission decisions for the Ph.D. program.

How many students are accepted into the Ph.D. program in human genetics? The number of students accepted annually varies, but incoming Ph.D. classes typically have three to six students each.

What is the minimum TOEFL score I need to be accepted into the program? A minimum of 100 must be achieved on the computerized TOEFL exam.

What is the minimum IELTS score I need to be accepted into the program? A minimum of 6.5 must be achieved on the IELTS.

Do you accept students for the spring semester? The vast majority of our students enroll starting in the fall semester. We consider applications for students that want to enroll starting in the spring semester in very special circumstances only.

How do I apply for a student assistantship? You do not need to apply separately for a graduate assistantship for the Ph.D. program. It is automatically done for Ph.D. applicants, domestic and international alike.

Do I need to choose a mentor before applying to the Ph.D. program? Human genetics Ph.D. students do not need to choose a mentor before they start graduate school. Instead, Ph.D. students perform up to three laboratory rotations during their first year and then choose a mentor during that time.

Where do VCU graduate students live? Most students live off campus. Check out VCU’s off-campus housing website and learn more about Richmond neighborhoods here.

What is the minimum Duolingo score I need to get accepted into the program? A minimum score of 120 must be achieved on the Duolingo exam.

What is the minimum Pearson Test of English (PTE) score I need to get accepted into the program? A minimum score of 65 must be achieved on the PTE exam.

How recent do my English proficiency test scores need to be in order to get accepted into the program? Scores are valid for two years.

Ready to get started?

Miles Lab

For more information about the Human Genetics Ph.D. program, please contact:

Roxann Roberson-Nay, Ph.D. Interim Graduate Program Director [email protected]

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Genetics, Genomics and Development

GGD

A selection of papers published by MCB graduate students in GGD labs:

Chen J , Tresenrider A, Chia M, McSwiggen DT, Spedale G, Jorgensen V, Liao H, van Werven FJ, Ünal E. (2017)  Kinetochore inactivation by expression of a repressive mRNA . Elife.

Chien SC , Gurling M, Kim C, Craft T, Forrester W, et al. (2015)  Autonomous and nonautonomous regulation of Wnt-mediated neuronal polarity by the C. elegans Ror kinase CAM-1 . Developmental biology. 404(1):55-65.

Crane E , Bian Q, McCord RP, Lajoie BR, Wheeler BS, et al. (2015) Condensin-driven remodelling of X chromosome topology during dosage compensation . Nature. 523(7559):240-4.

Dodson AE , Rine J. (2015) Heritable capture of heterochromatin dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . eLife. 4:e05007.

Ellahi A , Thurtle DM, Rine J. (2015) The Chromatin and Transcriptional Landscape of Native Saccharomyces cerevisiae Telomeres and Subtelomeric Domains . Genetics. 200(2):505-21.

Ellis NA , Glazer AM, Donde NN, Cleves PA, Agoglia RM, et al. (2015) Distinct developmental genetic mechanisms underlie convergently evolved tooth gain in sticklebacks . Development (Cambridge, England). 142(14):2442-51.

Erickson PA , Cleves PA, Ellis NA, Schwalbach KT, Hart JC, et al. (2015) A 190 base pair, TGF-β responsive tooth and fin enhancer is required for stickleback Bmp6 expression . Developmental biology. 401(2):310-23.

Glazer AM , Killingbeck EE, Mitros T, Rokhsar DS, Miller CT. (2015) Genome Assembly Improvement and Mapping Convergently Evolved Skeletal Traits in Sticklebacks with Genotyping-by-Sequencing . G3(Bethesda, Md.). 5(7):1463-72

Krefman NI , Drubin DG, Barnes G. (2016) Control of the spindle checkpoint by lateral kinetochore attachment and limited Mad1 recruitment . Mol Biol Cell. 26(14):2620-39.

Lombardi LM , Davis MD, Rine J. (2015) Maintenance of nucleosomal balance in cis by conserved AAA-ATPase Yta7 . Genetics. 199(1):105-16.

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Program Details

Graduate program: genetics (phd), admissions information.

Applicants must complete at least a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent prior to enrollment in the Program.  Examples of undergraduate majors that normally constitute satisfactory preparation for graduate work in Neuroscience include but are not limited to: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Neurobiology, Neuroscience and Psychology.

The Genetics GIDP program does not have absolute criteria for GPA or GRE scores, characteristics of a strong application will generally include:

  • GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • GRE scores are optional
  • 3 strong letters of recommendation from college professors, one of whom served as advisor for an independent research study; international students should provide at least one letter from a scientist who works in or is known well the U.S. system
  • A strong personal statement indicating basis for interest in genetic graduate study in neuroscience, relevant background, and career goals
  • A Curriculum Vitae

The Graduate Admissions Committee evaluates the entire admissions file. Deficiencies in one or two of the areas described above should not discourage interested applicants from applying.

 All required documents *must be* uploaded electronically; no paper copies will be accepted during the application process.

Domestic Applicants:

  • Fall: December 1
  • No Spring Admission

International Applicants:

The following is a summary of all materials that should be prepared submitted online prior to the application deadline (December 1 for PhD) in order to complete your application:

  • Graduate College Application for Genetics:  https://apply.grad.arizona.edu/  
  • Scores from the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  • Scanned copies of transcripts from each college or university attended
  • A Personal Statement (see below)
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation (follow the instruction on the Graduate College application)
  • International students must submit TOEFL scores 

It is recommended that you keep a hard-copy of all online forms, in case there are technical problems with online transmission.

If you are admitted, you will be required to submit 2 copies of your transcripts to:

Problems submitting your application should be addressed to Nathan Ellis, Program Chair, at [email protected] (520) 626-1452.

Personal Statement:

Your personal statement should be between 1000-1500 words long, and might include a discussion of your long-range goals; your reasons for pursuing an advanced degree; your interest in our program; information on your prior research experience or teaching (if any); and topics in genetics that are of particular interest to you and that might serve as the focus of your graduate program.

Letters of recommendation

All applicants must submit three letters of recommendation. These letters should be current or former advisors or instructors, and may address your previous research or laboratory experience, your academic qualification, your scientific potential, and your motivation for graduate work.

Required test(s) :

Candidates for admission have the option to take the Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores from the advanced examinations (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, psychology) may also be included in the application, but are not required.

International students are required to submit scores from the  Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL).   Minimum TOEFL : a score of 550 (paper based) or 79 (iBT) or higher.

Financial Aid

The current funding package for doctoral students includes:

Annual Stipend (living expenses) $27,000 Benefit: tuition) $12,512 Benefit: Health Insurance $  1,875 Benefit: Out of State Tuition (if applicable) $18,322

The funds utilized by the Program to support the doctoral student stipends are derived from Faculty contributions, Graduate College Fellowships, and Teaching Assistantships.

Graduate students are guaranteed funding for their first-year during rotations (9 months) by the Genetics GIDP/ABBS programs, pallowing the new students to spend time durint their first year exploring different labs and finding the one best suited to their own research interests. After that, the students declar the lab in which they intend to do their dissertation, the student's funding is derived from support from their faculty advisor.

Because of uncertainties in funding sources, the intention of support cannot be construed as a guarantee of continuous support to any student. However, the Genetics GIDP Program makes every effort to provide financial support to our students throughout their academic careers.

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

ETS Major Field Code(s) for this program: 4832

NRC Taxon(a) for this program: Genetics and Genomics

Additional Information About this Program

View Genetics (PHD) in the University's Main Catalog.

Graduate Program Coordinator

Director of graduate studies.

Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

Program Statistics Information about these numbers

  • All application, admit, and enrollment data are from Fall 2022.
  • Average Time to Degree calculates how long graduates in the last 5 years (2018-2022) took to complete their degrees, counting back to the first semester entering their program.
  • Underrepresented Minorities (URM) includes domestic students of ethnic groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.

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Master of Science in Computational Biology and Quantitative Genetics

Big Data. Big Future.

Prepare yourself for a career as a bioinformatics analyst or engineer in universities & hospitals, research organizations, and the pharmaceutical & biotechnology industries.

The Master of Science in Computational Biology and Quantitative Genetics (CBQG) provides students with the rigorous quantitative training and essential skills needed to successfully meet the challenges presented by large-scale public health data — “Big Data” — in biomedical research.

This 80-credit program, offered jointly by the Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, is designed to provide students with:

  • The biological background needed to understand and interpret data
  • A bioinformatics background providing familiarity with essential tools and data resources
  • Computational skills used to for analyze and manage “Big Data”
  • Statistical skills required to appropriately analyze large quantitative datasets
  • Epidemiological skills necessary for the design, conduct, and analysis of experiments

The SM in CBQG is intended as a terminal professional degree which will enable you to launch your career in bioinformatics. It can also provide the foundation for further doctoral studies in biostatistics, epidemiology, computational biology, and other related fields.

Program Co-Director: John Quackenbush

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Toward better births

Graduate Program

The graduate program in genetics.

The application cycle for Fall 2024 is now closed. We will begin evaluating applications shortly. If you have questions, please contact Graduate Services Coordinator Tyler DeAtley ([email protected]). Applications for the Fall 2025 cycle will open later this year.

The NC State University Genetics Graduate Program was established in 1952 and is one of the longest-running genetics graduate programs in the USA. The graduate training faculty are a highly interactive group performing research in all aspects of genetics from molecules to populations. Our research encompasses behavioral genetics, biomedical genetics, computational genetics and bioinformatics, evolutionary, population and quantitative genetics, and molecular, cellular and developmental genetics. Our faculty utilizes a wide range of traditional and non-traditional model systems in their research. We consider graduate students to be professionals in training. The Program provides broad and comprehensive well-rounded professional training in genetics academia, research, and teaching experience. Students are intimately involved in program activities and have a strong voice in shaping the program. The Genetics Graduate Program also provides flexible academic pathways tailored to meet the background and career goals of the individual student.

The Genetics program is entering an exciting moment. We are in the process of finalizing a merger with the Functional Genomics program. Our two programs have a long history together and this merger will bring new and exciting opportunities in the years ahead. For the Fall 2024 admission cycle, applications for either Genetics or Functional Genomics will be considered for the new combined programs .

Want to visit NC State and the Genetics Program?

The Genetics Program invites top applicants to campus for recruitment events in the early spring. Candidates interested in visiting campus and the program prior to application should consider the Visit NC State Program , part of the North Carolina State University’s Graduate School’s commitment to enhancing the diversity of its graduate programs. The program is held in November each year and offers prospective graduate students, and particularly those interested in Ph.D. programs, an opportunity to visit our campus, at no cost, to learn more about current research of our faculty and graduate students, and to experience the quality of our graduate programs.

Learn more about this opportunity and apply for consideration at the link below!

Graduate Program FAQs

Click the Request More Information button below if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for.

How do I apply? Show Less Show More

  • Access the online application via the NCSU Graduate School website: applygrad.ncsu.edu/apply/

What are the application requirements? Show Less Show More

  • Application fee ($75 for domestic and US permanent residents, $85 for international)
  • One unofficial transcript from each previously attended college or university
  • Three recommendations, submitted via the online application
  • Personal Statement
  • Proof of English Proficiency (non-US citizen applicants only)

What are the requirements for international applicants? Show Less Show More

  • More information on English Proficiency can be found here: grad.ncsu.edu/students/rules-and-regulations/catalog/application-and-admissions/english-proficiency/
  • The most common visas are F-1 and J-1. More information on these visas can be found here: internationalservices.ncsu.edu/immigration/visa-information-for-f-1-students-j-1-exchange-visitors/
  • More information on other visas (not F-1 or J-1) can be found here: internationalservices.ncsu.edu/faculty-and-staff/other-visa-options/
  • International applicants already in the U.S. who wish to study at NC State must indicate on the Visa Clearance Form (VCF) whether they wish to remain in their current nonimmigrant status or wish to change their status. A link to the online Visa Clearance Form is issued when the Graduate School sends the academic acceptance letter.
  • The Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) requires the candidate to provide evidence of ability to cover all expenses, including those of any accompanying dependents, for each year of study. Students must return the complete CFR to the Graduate School.

Is the GRE required? Show Less Show More

  • As of the Fall 2021 admission cycle, the Genetics Program is no longer requiring the GRE for MR, MS, or PhD applications. Applicants may provide their scores if they choose, but it is completely optional.

What degrees options are available? Show Less Show More

  • Masters of Genetics (MR), non-thesis
  • Masters of Science in Genetics (MS), thesis
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics (PhD)
  • Graduate Minor in Genetics

What are the course requirements? Show Less Show More

  • The course requirements for each degree option can be found at the following link: genetics.sciences.ncsu.edu/graduate-program/course-requirements/

Can I complete my degree part-time? Are online courses available? Show Less Show More

  • The only Genetics graduate degree that can be completed part-time is the MR. The MS and the PhD require extensive time spent on coursework and research, resulting in a time commitment similar to a full-time job. Additionally, most of the core courses for all the degree paths are only given in the on-campus format and are not offered online.

Do you offer financial assistance? Show Less Show More

  • Genetics graduate students are supported on Research and Teaching Assistantships (RA and TA). Specific pay varies depending on the assistantship, and students are paid bi-weekly.
  • Supported on a qualifying graduate assistantship (teaching or research) or fellowship of, at least, $666.67 per month.
  • Meet the minimum enrollment requirement – full-time – at all times.
  • Enrolled in an on-campus master’s or doctoral program. Distance Education and Graduate Certificate programs do not qualify for the Graduate Student Support Plan.

Do you accept Fall and Spring admits? Show Less Show More

  • The Genetics Graduate Program only admits new students for the Fall semester.

Do I need to know which faculty mentor I will work with before I apply/join the program? Show Less Show More

  • Not all students need to identify a faculty mentor prior to applying, though some may choose to do so. See our Admissions page for more information on the different pathways into the Genetics Graduate Program.

What should I do the summer before my first year? Show Less Show More

  • Contacting faculty and starting lab rotations early
  • Participating in summer workshops or continuing education courses

What is the GG Scholars program? Show Less Show More

  • The Genetics and Genomics (GG) Scholars umbrella program is built on the philosophy that the exploration of genes and genomes informs all fields of biology. The GG Scholars program is open to current and incoming PhD students. Incoming GG Scholars are able to explore a variety of life sciences graduate programs at NC State University during their first year, while current NC State PhD students have the opportunity to expand their training and research capabilities.
  • Learn more about the GG Scholars program at their website: https://ggi.ncsu.edu/graduate-program/

What is the Bridge to Doctorate Fellowship? Show Less Show More

The BD Fellowship award supports 12 dedicated graduate students from domestic underrepresented minority backgrounds who are pursuing graduate studies in STEM programs at NC State University in the Colleges of Sciences and Engineering.

  • Stipend of $32,000 annually for first two years
  • Tuition, fees, and student health insurance waiver for first two years
  • Traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM (African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Native Pacific Islanders) who are seeking to obtain a PhD are eligible to apply
  • More information and a link to the application can be found here: genetics.sciences.ncsu.edu/graduate-program/graduate-student-support

Request More Information

Click here to ask a question or get more information

Connect with the G3SA

The goal of the Genetics and Genomics Graduate Student Association (GGGSA) is to keep graduate students informed about NCSU and Genetics Program events, policies, and decisions, as well as to encourage student socialization.

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Prospective Ph.D. Students

Visit our new videos page to watch introductions from our students and our program director, and get to know campus and Madison!

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About The Program

The Genetics Training Program provides exceptional opportunities to students.  Our mission is to train students in cutting-edge genetic and genomic research while providing professional development opportunities for successful career trajectories. The breadth of research opportunities in the program combined with our focus on students and student development makes our program and community one of the top in the nation.

The Genetics Training Program is situated within the Laboratory (Department) of Genetics at UW-Madison, but it includes a wide variety of associated faculty whose labs students can join. The training program includes over 80 faculty trainers, whose primary appointments span over 20 departments and multiple colleges.  Trainers in our program share the incorporation of genetic and genomic perspectives while collectively capturing the diversity of research questions, tools, and approaches of modern scientific research.  Our trainers and program can therefore provide students with a solid foundation in modern and classical genetic / genomic knowledge while exposing them to cutting-edge research experiences. The genetics research pursued on campus, along with the active engagement of our trainers in the program, provides an exceptional community. An NIH Genetics Training Grant, administered by the Laboratory of Genetics, thereby provides to its graduate students the greatest possible diversity and opportunities in modern genetics research.

The Laboratory of Genetics is the oldest and one of the finest centers of genetics in the nation. It is highly regarded for its research contributions in the areas of  disease genetics ,  cell biology , neurogenetics ,  developmental genetics ,  gene expression ,  genomics ,  evolutionary & population genetics , and  computational biology . The Laboratory consists of two departments: Genetics, in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; and Medical Genetics, in the School of Medicine. Although administratively distinct, these two departments function as one at both the faculty and student levels.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks among the nation’s top universities. It regularly ranks among the top U.S. public universities in the amount of research and development funds received from all sources. Its faculty and former faculty include 11 Nobel Laureates, 45 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 7 National Medals of Science, 13 Pulitzer Prizes, 34 Presidential Young Investigator Awards, and multiple Howard Hughes Investigators.

The UW-Madison has one of the largest university biological research communities in the world, with over 700 faculty, 1,500 academic staff, 700 postdoctoral fellows, 2,500 graduate students, and thousands of undergraduates.  At the same time, close-knit communities ensure a supportive but diverse environment in both research and education.  Many departments at UW-Madison rank among the top in their disciplines, including the Departments of Bacteriology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Genetics, Plant Pathology, Oncology, Statistics, and others.  In addition, UW-Madison fosters significant interdisciplinary collaboration and communication.  Many of our students and trainers attend a broad range of seminars and community meetings that span traditional disciplines.

UW-Madison also houses a number of internationally recognized research centers and facilities, including the Biotechnology Center  and the The Center for Genomic Science Innovation , the UW Carbone Cancer Center , the J. F. Crow Institute for the Study of Evolution ,  the Center for High Throughput Computing , the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery , the National Magnetic Resonance Facility ,  Biotron,    Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation , and others. Many of our trainers also participate in the Quantitative Biology Initiative that brings together quantitative biologists from campus and oversees the QBio doctoral minor that Genetics students can participate in.

The combination of outstanding research opportunities and options, investment in student scientific and professional development, and exceptional collaboration and collegiality make the UW-Madison Genetics Training Program a superb intellectual environment in which to develop and pursue careers in the biological sciences.  We also value diversity in our community and foster a communal atmosphere among students and trainers.  Our students have been highly successful in attaining diverse post-doctoral career opportunities in a wide variety of jobs related to biological research and investigation.

Points of interest:

The University of Wisconsin Madison is a leader in biological science research with over 700 faculty distributed over several dozen departments.

Genetics maintains an active and vigorous presence in most areas of modern genetic and genomic research, broadly defined.

The University of Wisconsin Madison offers state-of-the art facilities and technologies.

Genetics offers a competitive stipend, tuition remission, low cost of living, and comprehensive benefits.

Our faculty are outstanding researchers, but also dedicated teachers and mentors who are committed to training the next generation of geneticists.

We have a vibrant graduate student community.  Students serve on department standing committees, participate in new student recruitment, plan our annual retreat, and organize social and educational events.  We also value diversity in our community and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.

UW-Madison offers exceptional opportunities in professional development, including through the DiscoverPD portal   that matches student interests to events and opportunities on campus.

Madison  consistently ranks among the most desirable American cities in which to live offering outdoor recreation, cultural programming, sporting events, and festivals.

Current Graduate Student Profiles

Meet our current graduate students !

quantitative genetics phd

6th Year, Harrison Lab

Audrey is originally from Boise, Idaho and got her bachelor degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from Western Washington University.

Her interest in UW-Madison stemmed from the quality of the department and the prospect of whom she’ll work aside with. She is excited to be apart of a field where UW-Madison is highly regarded, while having fun an welcoming environment to be around. Currently, she is researching the transcription factor dynamics in the early drosophila embryo with a career goal of continuing genetic research with an emphasize on engaging a public audience. Audrey believes it is critical to articulate the importance of their work to a general audience to help demystify and normalize scientific inquiry.

When not working in the lab, Audrey enjoys spending time exploring Science hall due to the rumors of it being haunted with ghost sheep. She also enjoys textile arts, gardening, and playing roller coaster tycoon.

Jaime Cordova

6th Year, Perna Lab

quantitative genetics phd

Jaime  is  from Downey, California. He got his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach in Molecular Cellular Biology and Physiology. His current research focuses on investigating the genome response of facultative anaerobes in varying oxygen environments. The goal of this is to advance the understanding of the response to oxygen availability beyond E. coli K-12.

Jaime’s ultimate career goal is to be an astrobiologist or space biology researcher ideally at NASA. When not in lab, Jaime enjoys doing science outreach in astronomy and astrobiology. Additionally, he does outreach on behalf of NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory as a Solar System Ambassador. His favorite spot on campus is Observatory Hill since it has a great view of the lake and sometimes the northern lights over Canada are visible.

His advice to prospective PhD students is to not join a lab simply because it is the “hottest” research at the time, but to make sure you follow what you are passionate about. You’ll be spending about 5 years with the research; you want to make sure you’re interested. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, everyone here is willing to help and support you. Finally, be sure to find balance in your life; life isn’t just about lab, enjoy time with family, friends and pets.

quantitative genetics phd

6th Year, Pelegri Lab

Trevor is from Springville, Utah and is finishing up his 2nd year here at UW. He earned a bachelor degree in Biology from Utah Valley University in Orem. His choice to come to UW was influenced by an undergraduate research advisor that attended UW-Madison to complete their own PhD and highly enjoyed their experience.

Trevor’s research focuses on principles in developmental genetics applied to conservation. They use a surrogate system to replicate somatic cell nuclear transfer in Danionin fish, and systematically assess how the cytoplasm of an egg interacts with a nucleus that comes from another Danionin species. Specifically, they examin mitochondrial-nuclear interactions and how the interplay between the two contributes to development. His career goal is to work for a conservation group using developmental genetics to increase genetic variability in populations of endangered species. He would also love to teach as well.

When not in lab, Trevor enjoys spending time with my wife and daughters, ages 7 and 9, and our little shih tzu dog, Scooter. To relax, I enjoy a variety of video games as well as playing guitar.

quantitative genetics phd

5th Year, Gasch Lab

Auguste graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Growth & Structure of Cities and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She chose to come to UW because of the great conversations she had with faculty, current students, and other prospective students when she visited. Through her PhD research, she hopes to gain experience that will help her contribute to a better understanding of human health and disease In the future she can see herself enjoying teaching, being part of a research team, writing or editing biology content, or a combination of these roles.

Auguste’s research is focused on better understanding an RNA-binding protein (RBP) that is implicated in aneuploidy tolerance in yeast. She is particularly interested in how this protein fits in a broader network of RBP-directed post-transcriptional regulation to influence RNA fates. Outside of the lab Auguste enjoys cooking and eating with her husband, playing music, spending time by the water, and going to Allen Centennial Gardens.

Program Statistics

UW-Madison Genetics Training Program Overview Genetic research is among the most important contemporary areas for both fundamental discovery and advancement of human health. Understanding how functional information is encoded in a genome, how genetic differences across individuals influence phenotypic variation including disease susceptibility, and how cellular and developmental mechanisms are influenced by mutation and evolution is central to the mission of NIH, and NIGMS in particular. The promise of personalized medicine and patient genome sequencing is driving an even greater demand for expert geneticists who can interpret genetic information. The Genetics Training Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) combines an established tradition of excellence in training generations of genetics researchers with a forward-looking vision of the changing landscape of career opportunities and trajectories. Our mission is to train the next generation of genetic researchers in rigorous, responsible, cutting-edge research that addresses modern questions in genetics and genomics, while preparing students for diverse careers that leverage that training.

We have maintained one of the oldest and largest NIH training grants in Genetics for over 45 years:

  • Continuously funded since 1975
  • The program hosts ~50-55 students, with class sizes of 8-12 students
  • The training grant funds students for 1-2 years of training.  All students receive a stipend during their course of training

We have had great success preparing students for diverse careers that leverage a PhD in genetics.

Current positions of 70 T32-funded graduates from last 15 years.

  • 18% leading academic labs
  • 18% in human clinical genetics and genomics (80% of those board certified)
  • 20% in the biotech industry
  • 9% in science education and administration
  • 7% in other careers leveraging a doctorate in genetics (including an analyst for the Center for Disease Control, an NIH program officer, and a professional scientific editor).

We offer a diverse set of trainers who are active in the program and serious about mentoring

Trainers by category. Tick marks indicate groups of 10. Numbers indicate total in category, some categories overlap.

  • Includes 70 trainers in 22 departments and 4 colleges, with breadth of research tools & topics
  • 90% of trainers have published with another lab in the last 5 years
  • 33% (49% of those with NIH funding) share at least one grant with another PI
  • 87% of trainers have graduated a student in the last 10 years
  • 89-93% of their students and postdocs, respectively, remain in science today
  • 73% serve on at least one genetics thesis committee
  • 33% teach a required course or participate in a required workshop
  • Nearly all have participated in recruiting, retreat, our seminar series, or other events

We have an outstanding cohort of engaged students:

  • 100% of Genetics students from the last 10 years published manuscripts (2.9 papers on average, with 1.6 first-authored papers on average per student)
  • Students are active in programmatic activities, governance and professional development
  • We strive to maintain a vibrant community that values diversity and inclusion in all senses, which enables the best scientific training, research, and innovations.

Program Structure

In the fall semester of the first year, each new graduate student attends a comprehensive series of talks given by faculty who have space for graduate students in their research laboratories. Based on these talks, each program admission student then spends four weeks in the labs of three (or four if needed) professors whose work seems especially interesting to them.  The student, in agreement with the professor, will then choose one of those options as the thesis lab.  Arranging these lab rotations is an important first step of each student’s program.  During the first semester, all students also take one of several required courses, Advanced Genetics 701.

In the second semester, program admitted students will get settled in their thesis lab and all students will take the required course Advanced Genetics 702 and complete other elective coursework if desired.  At the end of the second year, the student becomes “certified”. Certification is a planning process in which the student, their mentor, and their chosen faculty committee decide if additional courses are recommended to prepare the student for a chosen research area. The student and the mentor select a certification committee of three to five faculty members from fields related to the student’s research interest. This committee will guide the student through the remainder of his or her graduate training. Over the summer of their first year, students take a writing course, in which they prepare an NSF Fellowship application.

Although the first year of study emphasizes formal course work, graduate students begin research activities in the laboratory of their supervising professor as soon as possible and to devote an increasing portion of their time to independent work as their career progresses. Students must pass an oral examination of a thesis proposal by the end of the second year. By that time, students will also have assisted in the teaching of one or more of the general undergraduate survey courses in genetics as part of their training. A brief summary of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree in genetics is shown below:

Core course work : Integrated Advanced Genetics for Graduate Students (Genetics 701 & 702), two roundtable methods and logic courses where students meet weekly with the invited Colloquium speaker, and four seminar courses. Students are also required to take at least one additional high-level course in genetics or genomics, and can choose additional courses based on interests and recommendations of their thesis committee.

Minor course work : Students can choose to do an external minor as an add-on to their Genetics PhD, or choose to meet the UW requirement for a minor by using the Genetics major course requirements (called a ‘distributed’ minor).

Other requirements : One semester of teaching assistant experience (second year), Writing Course, Oral Thesis Proposal Defense (by the end of second year), coursework in Responsible Conduct in Research, annual meetings with the thesis committee, and finally successful oral defense of the Ph.D. thesis.

Course offerings  in genetics are numerous and varied. Beyond our graduate core curriculum, Genetics courses include:

Advanced Genomic and Proteomic Analysis, Advanced Microbial Genetics, Animal Developmental Genetics, Biology & Genetics of Filamentous Fungi, Cancer Genetics, Clinical Genetics, Comparative and Functional Genomics, Evolutionary Genetics, Evolutionary Systems Biology, Genomic Science, Human Genetics, Population Genetics, Prokaryotic Molecular Biology, Regulatory Mechanisms in Plant Development, and Human Cytogenetics.

Further courses in areas such as molecular and organismal biology, population genetics, quantitative biology, and bioinformatics are offered by allied departments, in addition to a wide array of seminar series.

For more details, see the Graduate School’s  statistics  about the Ph.D. program in Genetics.

Types of Admission

Students may be admitted to UW Genetics through either of two tracks: rotation (in which a student rotates in 3 or more labs prior to joining one) or direct admission (in which a student is admitted to join a specific lab).  The admission track(s) through which we can consider a prospective student depend upon funding availability, and also upon the number of potentially appropriate labs for them.  Most of our domestic students do rotations while supported by our NIH training grant.  Due to more limited non-federal funds, about two thirds of our international students instead join the program via direct admission.

Our program’s rotations are shorter than most – just four weeks long. The goal is not to finish a research project but rather to get a clear impression about interacting with a potential faculty mentor and doing research in their lab.  A big advantage of this system is that the vast majority of our rotation students join a lab by December of their first year and begin their thesis research.  This quick start helps reduce our time to graduation.

With direct admission, a prospective student is accepted based on an agreement with a specific faculty mentor who commits to providing their funding.  The student would typically join this lab in late August upon beginning their PhD program, with the intention of completing their thesis research with the sponsoring faculty mentor.  A conversation about direct admission can be initiated by either an applicant or a faculty mentor.

All prospective applicants may benefit from contacting potential faculty mentors by e-mail, including before they apply to the program.  Through such interactions, applicants can confirm that this lab is accepting students and provides a good fit for them.  Such interactions are particularly important for prospective students who may be interested in direct admission, including international applicants and those with more targeted research interests.

Admission Requirements

For admission to graduate study in genetics, the student should have earned a grade average of B or better and completed a B.S. or B.A. degree in a recognized college or university. There are no specific requirements in supporting fields, but students are encouraged to acquire adequate background in mathematics, physics, and biology. There is no formal language requirement for the Ph.D. in genetics.

The Genetics Graduate Program Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications. The GRE is no longer required; however, students who have taken the exam are welcome to supply scores, which may be considered in the holistic application review. The GRE Biology or related subject test is not required, but applicants may provide scores if available. Official GRE scores should be sent to UW- Madison using code 1846. If your native language is not English or your undergraduate instruction was not in English, you are also required to submit TOEFL scores. Undergraduate research experience is also strongly recommended in order to be competitive.

Complete Applications must be received by December 1, although early submission is encouraged. Midyear admissions are not considered. Most students admitted are selected during February and March.

Successful applicants to the UW Genetics PhD program usually have at least one year of research experience at the time of application.  Such research may be in genetics or a related field.  Successful applicants have generally completed an undergraduate genetics course or have equivalent knowledge from courses or other sources.  Particular points of emphasis in the admissions process include the statement of purpose (see the following section for criteria) and recommendation letters from research advisors (letters from all recent research advisors should be provided).  UW Genetics also places a high priority on continuing to increase multiple facets of diversity in our program and our field in general.

How To Apply

Application components include:

  • Personal, Academic and Background Information
  • Statement of Purpose/ Reason for Graduate Study

To write the most effective personal statement, we suggest addressing these questions: What is your personal motivation to become a geneticist? What makes it clear that you will thrive in a research-intensive PhD program? What have you discovered and personally gained from your past research experience? Which areas of genetics research interest you the most? Why is UW Genetics the right fit for you? Are there specific genetics trainers who you might like to work with? See our Research Areas section to learn about our faculty and labs.

  • Three  Letters of Recommendation

The three letters should be from research mentors and professors and should address your potential to perform Genetics research at the PhD level, in addition to your aptitude and performance in intellectual and creative pursuits pertinent to scientific research.

  • Unofficial transcripts

Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for the admissions process. However, if you are offered admission you will be required to send official transcripts to the department.

Please include in detail your research experiences including number of months worked, work experiences, publications and posters, honors, awards, and interests.

  • Test Scores

The Genetics Graduate Program Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to reviewing applications. The GRE is no longer required; however, students who have taken the exam are welcome to supply scores, which may be considered in the holistic application review. The GRE Biology or related subject test is not required, but applicants may provide scores if available. Official scores will need sent to UW- Madison, use code 1846. If your native language is not English or your undergraduate instruction was not in English, you are also required to submit TOEFFL scores.

  • Supplemental Application
  • $75.00 Application Fee

Application fee waivers may be considered for applicants who have a financial need or have participated in specific inclusion-focused training programs. Applicants should first review the Graduate School Fee Waiver application information and instructions.  If you are not eligible via the Graduate School, you may request a fee waiver from Genetics. Please complete this form .

Steps to complete your application:

  • Review the UW- Graduate School Admissions requirements .
  • Complete the online application  and pay the application fee.
  • Request letters of recommendation.
  • Submit your official GRE and TOEFFL scores to institution code 1846.

Students accepted into the Ph.D. degree program initially receive financial aid from either an NIH training grant or graduate school fellowships. In later years, support may be derived from a research assistantship. Genetics students also receive funding from competitive fellowships such as the  NSF Graduate Research Fellowship , and from cross-disciplinary UW training programs that include  Genome Sciences ,  Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine ,  Biotechnology , and the  Biology of Aging and Age-Related Diseases . Support is awarded on a continuing basis, subject to availability, provided that satisfactory progress is maintained toward completion of the Ph.D. requirements. Limited financial aid is available to international students.

We strive to maintain an inclusive, supportive, and diverse community that enables our world-class education, research, and collegiality.  We care about our students, and we make every effort to see that they develop both intellectually and personally during their stay with us.  Furthermore, we instill in our students a value of our community and in supporting each other during graduate school.  We strongly believe that such collegiality fosters and supports diversity – in our student body, creative ideas, and scientific innovations.

The UW-Madison Genetics Training Program invites applications from students of diverse backgrounds who are interested in genetic research and training.  We especially seek qualified underrepresented minorities to the program and campus.  Beyond simply recruiting students, we aim to provide diverse mechanisms of support to ensure that students are empowered to express and develop to their full potential.  Please contact the Graduate Program Manager, Martha Reck, [email protected] ,  for questions you might have about our program and initiatives.

Living in Madison

Madison is a great place to live and it is rated highly for it’s bikeability, food, overall liveability, and more. Settled between four lakes and acting as both the state’s capital and home to the largest university in Wisconsin, the city boasts wonderful recreational activities while also serving as a cultural hotspot featuring art, music, theater, and a vibrant nightlife. Madison is considered a hidden gem of American small cities and it is surprisingly affordable.  Using a cost of living comparison tool, here’s how Madison shapes up next to some other popular cities that host Genetics PhD programs:

Berkeley, CA is 133% more expensive Seattle, WA is 91% more expensive Cambridge, MA is 80% more expensive Los Angeles, CA is 72% more expensive San Diego, CA is 59% more expensive Tempe, AZ is 7% more expensive Chicago, IL is 6% more expensive Raleigh, NC is 2% more expensive East Lansing, MI is 9% less expensive Baltimore, MD is 12% less expensive St. Louis, MO is 19% less expensive

Being an affordable city means that your stipend can go further here allowing you to take advantage of so much that Madison has to offer.  You can learn more about life in Madison by visiting our graduate student life page.

If you would like to check your application status you may do so by logging into My UW .  Every effort is made to check documents off of your application checklist in a timely manner, however, please allow 3-5 business days for updates to occur. If you have forgotten your NetID or password, assistance is available here .

If you have specific questions about the program, please contact Graduate Program Manager, Martha Reck, [email protected] or Program Director, Nicole Perna, [email protected] .  If you have specific questions about a specific faculty member’s research and lab, please see our list of all Genetics PHD mentors .  You can find their contact information by clicking on their image.

Meet us at a conference!

SACNAS 2023

The Genetics PhD Program will have a booth with other UW biosciences in the exhibit hall during SACNAS 2023! Stop by! Attending the conference: Professor and Program Director, Nicole Perna; Professor, Ahna Skop

ABRCMS 2023

The Genetics PhD Program will have a booth in the exhibit hall during ABRCMS 2023! Stop by! Attending the conference: Professor and Program Director, Nicole Perna; Graduate Program Manager, Martha Reck

Aarhus University logo

Graduate School of Technical Sciences

Quantitative genetics and genomics, the programme.

The research at the Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics ( QGG ) strives to understand the processes connecting genetic variation at the molecular level all the way to the expression of complex phenotypes as well as understanding variation and development of changes in the DNA itself. QGG does this by basic and applied research using its core competences in statistical genetics, population genetics, quantitative genetics, quantitative genomics and bioinformatics in animals, plants and human. In addition QGG have strong competences related to all different farmed animal and crop species as well as a strong program in human genetics and genomics.

QGG develops and implements advanced statistical and bioinformatics methods for analysis of genetics problems in animal and plant breeding as well as in human genetics. Advanced methods developed are applied on practical problems in all species. Furthermore, synergies in genomics research in agricultural species and human hold a significant potential for driving scientific discovery forward and asking questions relevant to basic biology.

Internationally oriented working environment

Most of QGG employees and PhD students are international. Therefore, the research environment is very internationally oriented with a strong focus on research quality, high quality education, and providing a highly inspiring work environment.

Strong international and industry collaboration

QGG research has a strong position in the international science community. Several research projects in QGG are conducted in close collaboration with Danish and international animal and plant breeding companies as well as close collaboration with highly influential universities both in Denmark and abroad. We work with industry to integrate our results for the genetic improvement in plants and animals.

Research facilities available

The PhD programme in Quantitative Genetics and Genomics allows students to take advantage of unique research facilities and data availability at the Center. QGG has access to large dataset for genetic studies in several agricultural species, facilities to conduct both intensive and field experiments in plants and animals, greenhouse, powerful computing facility, in-house software and molecular biology laboratory.

Research projects in QGG

QGG PhD students since 2012

Courses offered at QGG

Geographic location

QGG researchers are located at the main university campus in Aarhus, and Research Center Flakkebjerg near Slagelse.

Head of the QGG PhD programme: Doug Speed  

Head of Programme

Doug Speed

Doug   Speed

Local programme secretary.

Louise Fischer Koue

Louise Fischer   Koue

Gsts phd partner.

Nanna Maria Elgaard Pedersen

Nanna Maria Elgaard   Pedersen

College of Biological Sciences

College of Biological Sciences

Researchers in a lab

Graduate Groups

Graduate groups combine the talents and skills of faculty from a broad range of research areas to allow learning from a network of diverse scholars to afford students opportunities outside traditional department structures. 

  • Animal Behavior (ANB)

Degrees Offered:

M.S. Plan II  under special circumstances only Ph.D. Plan C 

Program requirements, admission and information

  • Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (BMCDB)

M.S. Plan I  under special circumstances only M.S. Plan II  under special circumstances only Ph.D. Plan B

  • Biophysics (BPH)

M.S. Plan I under special circumstances only M.S. Plan II under special circumstances only Ph.D. Plan B

  • Integrative Genetics and Genomics (IGG)

M.S. Plan I M.S. Plan II Ph.D. Plan B

  • Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology (MCIP)
  • Neuroscience (NSC)
  • Plant Biology (PBI)
  • Population Biology (PBG)

***Only the  Integrative Genetics and Genomics  and  Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology  graduate groups allow admission into M.S. programs. All other CBS graduate groups allow students to  exit a Ph.D. program with an M.S. if they choose not to complete a Ph.D.   

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