About the Program

Genetics and Developmental Biology Training Program

This program trains Ph.D. students in Genetics and Developmental Biology who work among 57 distinguished faculty from two highly interactive departments at Stanford University.

The faculty and trainees have a remarkable record of tranformative contributions to the fields of genetics, genomics, and developmental biology. These include: the invention of recombinant DNA methods; the development of new microbial and vertebrate model organisms; the molecular elucidation of classic developmental and disease mutations in flies, worms, fish, mice and humans; the discovery of many conserved transcription factor and fundamental signaling pathways; the mechanistic study of RNAi pathways; the systematic analysis of gene expression, chromatin, and DNA accessibility in diverse systems; the large scale mapping and sequencing of microbial, fish, mammalian, and human genomes; and the discovery, purification, and study of many kinds of stem cells.

Our program bridges the many biological levels between genotypes and organismal phenotypes by offering combined training in genetics, genomics, and experimental methods for testing gene function in a wide range of humans and model organisms. Each year, the training program directly supports twelve graduate students working at the interface between genetics and development in students' early years of training. In addition, the training program has generated many features that are now hallmarks of broader Ph.D. training for all students in Genetics and Developmental Biology, including: coordinated admissions; a joint first year training camp in computational and experimental methods; shared retreats and core courses; flexible research rotations during the first year; and joint teaching, journal clubs, and research seminars that combine genetics, genomics, and organismal tests of function. Students supported by the program receive Ph.D. degrees in either Genetics or Developmental Biology (see specific degree requirements here). Our students have gone on to become leaders in many different fields, including basic research, translational research, biotechnology and commercial development, education, and government, legal, and non-profit science policy.

We are especially committed to increasing diversity within the fields of genetics and developmental biology, and encourage students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

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