PhD Program

D. Fernando Estrada PhD and Christopher Campomizzi.

D. Fernando Estrada, PhD, left, provides mentorship to doctoral students such as Christopher S. Campomizzi.

As a PhD candidate, you will research in our highly collaborative environment, present your findings on multiple occasions and acquire the skills of a well-rounded, independent research scientist.

Practical Preparation for Your Future

Our school’s lab rotation system gives you a broad-based foundation in the biomedical sciences while you collaborate with renowned research scientists on cutting-edge research. The combination of a structured, interdisciplinary curriculum and strong support for your individual interests prepares you to pursue your career goals, whether in academia, industry or government.

During your first year, you will write a mock funding proposal for research you wish to carry out in a particular mentor’s lab. This proposal constitutes your preliminary exam for the program. Once completed, you submit your proposal to a funding agency, establishing your research’s trajectory.

Support for Your Professional Development

Our department is dedicated to fostering the professional growth of our PhD candidates in the lab and beyond. Many of our students attend and present at national meetings. We host weekly guest lectures featuring renowned research scientists. In the Student Journal Club you can bounce research ideas off your peers, present your data and practice your thesis defense.

During the spring you will present your research at the Biochemistry Research Day. First-year students present their work in poster form. In subsequent years, doctoral students make oral presentations to our department’s faculty, students and staff.

  • Program Requirements and Curriculum
    9/21/23
    The PhD degree requires a minimum of 72 credit hours of coursework, including four to five years of laboratory research, in the PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences (PPBS) and the biochemistry department.
  • Financial Support
    9/8/20
    Because your goal is to be a research scientist, we provide the financial support that sets you on the path to the career of your choice.

Contact Us

Director of Graduate Studies

Estrada, D. Fernando

D. Fernando Estrada, PhD

Associate Professor

Rm 4222 JSMBS 955 Main Street Department of Biochemistry Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: 716-829-2767; Fax: 716-829-2725

Email: dfestrad@buffalo.edu

Administrator, Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

Beth O’Brocta

Assistant to the Chair

Department of Biochemistry

955 Main Street, Room 4102F, Buffalo, NY 14203

Phone: (716) 829-3069

Email: eobrocta@buffalo.edu