Testimonials for the CDB program

The CDB program has given me the flexibility to expand my research horizons. I have been able to take classes that complemented my undergraduate training, to plan out and to execute my own research project, and to interact with faculty having diverse research interests. Members of the CDB program have supported not just my research work, but also my outreach activities to an extent that I had not imagined before coming to Penn State. I am proud to have accomplished my doctoral work as a CDB student. Dr. Alexandra Surcel, alumna

I decided to join Penn State after getting attracted to the diversity in faculty research in Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) option. It provided me with wide options to choose from for my lab rotations and then decide on a lab for thesis research. I was quite overwhelmed to know that I can also work outside my department for my research needs. I actually did one of my lab rotations with a faculty in Physics Department to learn about Bionetworks. Weekly seminars give students a chance to understand and follow the research of other labs in the department. All these factors combined with the beautiful environs of State College make graduate school experience in CDB, quite an enjoyable and enriching one. Gaurav Bhardwaj, doctoral student

As a graduate student in the CDB program you have the opportunity to work with prominent faculty members from multiple departments with diverse research backgrounds. I believe the greatest strength of this program is its wide variety that allows a student the opportunity to find an area of research that he or she is truly passionate about. I personally chose this program and PSU [Pennsylvania State University] because of this reason. I am currently working in the Axtell Lab with an interest in the evolution of small RNAs in plants and their regulatory roles. Besides academics PSU is a fantastic place for those who love the outdoors. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking or just spending a Saturday in Beaver Stadium there are plenty of outdoor activities in State College. Tifani Eshoo, doctoral student

I joined the program in fall 2005 and every day since then has been memorable. Being an international student, my initial concerns about being away from home were put at ease by a friendly administration, which ensured an easy transition into the program through social events and mentoring activities. Finding a lab was just as easy; while the CDB program caters to diverse research interests, I was given ample opportunity to explore mutual interests with faculty through lab rotations. The curriculum is well structured, yet flexible, which has allowed me to shape my graduate career according to my own plan and enjoy my academic as well as personal life. I have made friends for life here -- I couldn’t have asked for a better program to be a part of! Mansi Khanna, doctoral student

As a student, I have been here for an entire year in the Cell and Developmental Biology program. I can say that I did make a wise decision to come here, because you can meet many excellent professors doing researches in diverse fields, which gives you an opportunity to find out your true interests. The courses are also designed to provide you more chances to meet and communicate with great scientists from various fields. Another advantage impressing me is that you can even choose professors outside the program, since the program is enlarging everyday to make sure that it is right here for students development. Now I am very satisfied with my experience here, and I have the faith that I will benefit more in the coming years. Xiaofan Zhou, doctoral student