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Genome, Cell, and Developmental Biology Ph.D.

Genome, Cell, and Developmental Biology Ph.D.

Genome, Cell, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program

The Genome, Cell, and Developmental Biology (GCDB) graduate program offers interdisciplinary training in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, biochemistry, developmental biology, cell biology, and evolution. We are engaged in a wide range of cutting-edge research, offering our graduate students many choices from which to select areas of specialization for their thesis research.

In our program, you will learn how to plan, execute, and critically analyze experiments. Other professional development includes learning how to present seminars and write high-quality research papers and grants. The GCDB program provides students with the training and research experience necessary to pursue a diversity of careers, including academic biomedical research, biotech industry, and university-level teaching.

We offer students the opportunity to perform mentored research at the forefront of modern molecular, cellular, and developmental biology. With GCDB faculty, our students use state-of-the art approaches in a range of model organisms to answer fundamental questions in biology, finding that graduate training can be simultaneously personally fulfilling and rigorous.
Heather Hundley, director of the GCDB Graduate Program

GCDB trainee news

Read about our GCDB graduate students' achievements and activities.

Graphic demonstrating the antagonistic relationship between apoptosis and polyploidy in development and cancer.

Hunter Herriage and Yi-Ting Huang publish a review on polyploidy

Spencer Gray presents his poster at the 2023 FASEB Helicases and Nucleic Acid Machines Conference.

Spencer Gray awarded poster prize at recent FASEB meeting!

Ahmed Ghobashi publishes his thesis research in iScience

Follow the GCDB program on X (formerly Twitter): @GGSAatIU

Why come to IU Biology’s GCDB program?

Unique combination of research excellence and a first-class graduate training program
Training program includes research rotations, a first-year core curriculum, customized advanced courses, and individual career development advice from faculty
Intense focus on fundamental research questions
Exceptionally collegial, cooperative, and rigorous research environment
Wide range of faculty interests and research opportunities for graduate students to explore
Our commitment to celebrating diversity and inclusion as well as maintaining a culture of respect and kindness.
Generous financial support that is guaranteed for 5 years

Bloomington is a culturally diverse and welcoming college town with vibrant arts, music, and food scenes.

Explore Bloomington

Steps to becoming a GCDB graduate student

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Our "How to apply" page provides useful information common to all three Ph.D. programs in our department. But FIRST, visit our "Steps" page with information about the admissions process that may be unique to the GCDB program.

Steps to becoming a GCDB graduate student