Student Research

The research experience in the Cell and Molecular Biology Program at the University of Vermont starts as soon as students arrive on campus. First year students participate in a series of 2-3 laboratory rotations with different faculty members to help them choose a thesis topic and research advisor. These rotations are usually 2-3 months in length and can even be initiated in the summer before classes start in the Fall. Students and faculty are required to complete the Rotation Agreement prior to rotation. Following each rotation, students write a summary including introduction, methods, results, discussion. The summary helps facilitate the students' writing and communication skills, and is written in a similar format to those found in most professional journals. Health Sciences Research Facility (HSRF)
Laboratories are picked by the students in consultation with faculty and upper-level student mentors. The CMB Program Retreat provides an outstanding opportunity early in the first year for new students to get an excellent overview of research opportunities in the CMB Program. By the start of the second year, students will have selected their graduate research advisor and have identified their research project. Shortly thereafter, the student, in consultation with their advisor, selects a research advisory committee consisting of at least 3 additional faculty members. Research leading to the dissertation usually requires 3-4 years to complete.

Student Spotlight

**Ketki Hatle**

Ketki received her B.V.Sc in Veterinary Sciences from Bombay Veterinary College, India in 2000. She also earned her M.V.Sc in Animal Biochemistry from Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (Bareilly), India in 2003. Ketki joined the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate program in 2004.