The key for every successful Ph.D. graduate is the relationship with their research advisor. To facilitate learning about various research projects and lab environments, first-year Ph.D. students participate in laboratory rotations. Prior to the start of the academic year, the department publishes a lab rotation guide which provides project descriptions for lab rotations to introduce students to the active research in bioengineering. During the lab rotation periods, students are expected to learn key problems and experimental methods/options of the field related to the hosting lab. Students are expected to use the skills/knowledge acquired during the rotation in the preparation of the Research Aptitude Examination. Students are expected to continue their advisor/lab search by meeting with faculty members, consulting with other graduate students, and reading up on the research. As a part of the BIOE 605: Bioengineering Graduate Studies I course credit, first-year students are required to attend the weekly Fischell Department of Bioengineering Seminar.

Ph.D. students participating in the rotation program will have the opportunity to complete three 6-week rotations (10 hours per week) during the fall semester. Specific dates will be provided each academic year.

• • Before the first rotation, students will be responsible for contacting faculty offering rotations to identify their first lab rotation.  A signed rotation agreement must be submitted to the BIOE Graduate Office prior to the start of the rotation. 

  • Students are encouraged to continue meeting with faculty throughout the semester to learn about labs and identify their second and third rotation. Signed rotation agreements must be submitted for each rotation.