Grad student pouring liquid into receptical in lab

Why choose CMU for postgraduate work in BCMB?

Graduate student examining solution

  • Researchers and labs from several departments within CMU's College of Science and Engineering and College of Medicine participate in the BCMB programs.
  • Researchers use a wide array of techniques and model systems to pursue basic and translational research on topics ranging from cancer and infectious diseases to neuroscience and developmental biology.
  • The diversity of expertise and research interests in the BCMB programs provides students with opportunities to explore a wide spectrum of important biological questions through innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Tracy Galarowicz and student in lab

  • Faculty members participating in the BCMB programs have demonstrated excellence in research and teaching, and are committed to student success. 
  • Faculty members are leaders in their respective fields, as they publish in top-tier journals, garner extramural funding for their work, and earn acclaim through awards and fellowships at the university, national, and international levels.
  • The relatively small size of the BCMB programs ensures that students receive frequent and significant one-on-one interactions with faculty mentors.
Biosciences Building

  • The BCMB research labs are primarily located in CMU's state-of-the-art $95 million Biosciences Building, which opened in 2016. 
  • The Biosciences Building is 169,000 square feet, with spacious open-concept research labs, with core and specialty labs, including:
    • Imaging
    • Flow cytometry
    • Insectary
    • Herbarium
    • Biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) lab
    • Radioisotope lab 
  • The Biosciences building features dedicated graduate student desks and a multitude of student study areas and conferences rooms.
  • The Biosciences Building, along with CMU's other research facilities at the nearby Dow Science Complex and College of Medicine Building, offer ideal space and resources for students to carry out their research, interact with other students and faculty, and write their thesis or dissertation.
Graduate student in lab

  • In addition to foundational science coursework and research, students may take a Careers in Biomedical Sciences course and a BCMB Colloquium course.
  • Students work closely and regularly with their advisor and committee to identify a personalized program of elective courses.
  • Students create and cultivate an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
Clock in downtown Mt. Pleasant

  • Mount Pleasant is located in mid-Michigan, pleasantly situated 771 feet above sea-level.
  • Mount Pleasant is centrally located and gives residents easy access to Michigan's major cities, four out of the five Great Lakes, inland lakes and rivers, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. 
  • CMU's campus and local area offer plenty of opportunities for fun, including outdoor recreation and an excellent parks system, sporting events, concerts, restaurants, and a lively downtown. 
  • The cost of living in Mt. Pleasant, which is only about half the national average, is very favorable.