Advising, Thesis Committee, and Research Mentor

There are several formal advising processes for MSBS students. These are:

Career/Academic Advisors

Upon matriculation, each student is assigned a career/academic advisor. Based upon their future goals, the advisor will be either the Director or Associate Director of the MSBS program. The role of this advisor is to help students navigate the process of selecting a laboratory and advice on academic and career goals. This career/academic advisor will meet at least once a term to evaluate progress towards career goals.

Thesis Advisor

Students will select a lab for their master’s research thesis by October 31. Once a lab is selected, the research mentor will become the thesis advisor. The student should discuss with their thesis advisor the expectations and goals for the research project. The Masters in Biomedical Sciences Research Agreement online form should be filled out, signed by both the faculty member and the student.

If a student realizes that the selected laboratory is not a good match, a switch to another laboratory should be discussed with the Program Director.

Thesis Committee

The Thesis Committee, as described below, will be an important part of a student’s advisory team. The student is required to have at least two meetings with his/her/their advisory committee prior to defending the thesis. It is to the student’s advantage to populate this committee with members who can help guide the research project technically and/or intellectually.

Selection of a Research Mentor

Students should select a thesis advisor for their research by October 31 of the first semester. Master’s students do not do laboratory rotations. The student should discuss with their thesis advisor the expectations and goals for the research project. The Masters in Biomedical Sciences Research Agreement form should be filled out, signed by both the faculty member and the student, and returned to the Graduate School Office. If the student realizes that the selected laboratory is not a good match between the student and the thesis advisor, a switch to another laboratory should be discussed with the Program Director.