Laura Simmons

Steve Haase Lab

Undergraduate Institution: Colgate University

Project: In the yeast S. cerevisiae B-type cyclins prevent duplication of the centrosome (Spindle Pole Body; SPB) until the appropriate time in the cell cycle; once mitosis is complete. I am trying to figure out the mechanism whereby B-cyclins control the duplication step of the SPB cycle.

I came into graduate school having good lab experience, but not having been exposed to a variety of different scientific questions or approaches. I was very scared that I would close out fields that I didn’t know much about before I had the opportunity to explore them. That is why I chose the CMB program. The program and faculty are so diverse and numerous that I felt I could learn about a lot of different things before deciding where I wanted to focus my efforts in graduate school. I was excited to find that the faculty members are not only diverse but also collaborative and interested in helping graduate students succeed.

Duke is a great place to go to graduate school. There is a large community of graduate and professional students (close to double the number of undergraduates) and there is interaction among different disciplines and schools. The best illustration of this is the graduate and professional student basketball ticket campout. At this event all graduate and professional students that are interested in getting Duke Men’s Basketball season tickets come and campout for a weekend. Not only do you get the chance to meet people from Law School, the School of Divinity or Engineering, you also get the chance to join the entire Duke Community at basketball games in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Jason Yi

Mike Ehlers Lab

Undergraduate Institution: Dickinson College

Project: Neurons exhibit very distinct and highly complex structures that facilitate the division of labor within subdomains of the cell. My research focuses on the initial molecular mechanisms that specify the axon and govern polarized cell growth.

The CMB program at Duke is an integrative program of various disciplines in the biological sciences. This makes the CMB program a unique mix of students from diverse scientific backgrounds and interests. The greatest strength of the program is that its integrative nature exposes students to different biological problems and gives them the support to freely explore those questions. The experience is supplemented by seminars and courses conducted by receptive faculty members who are highly regarded in their fields.

There are many fantastic aspects about being at Duke (basketball, weather, beautiful campus.). However, my favorite thing about being here is the interaction between the University and the city of Durham. Durham is a great place, but like many college towns, there is a socioeconomic disparity between a significant population of Durham and those within the academic community of Duke. I am always impressed by the efforts of members of the Duke community to give back to the city. As a member of the Duke community, you can always find networks of support and opportunities to directly reach out to the city of Durham.

Laura Yudt

John Klingensmith Lab

Undergraduate Institution: Gustavus Adolphus College

Project: I am interested in the early vertebrate neural patterning and morphogenesis. My project involves understanding the role of a novel gene, cordon-bleu, in early development, as well as characterization of its molecular function.

The CMB program is unique in that students can choose a lab from a large number of faculty with a wide range of research interests. More importantly, all of your fellow classmates have a range of research interests and expertise, which allows you to learn new things that you might never have been exposed to.

Living in the Triangle area, there are many opportunities to find things to do. There are plenty of places to get outdoors and play after a day or a week in the lab. Even better, the mountains and beaches can easily be visited in a day or on a weekend.

Jordan Cocchiaro

Raphael Valdivia Lab

Undergraduate Institution: Bates College

Project: In our lab, we use a functional genomics approach to study the mechanisms by which the intracellular bacterial pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis, manipulates host cellular processes during infection.

During my first year here at Duke, I have found that the CMB program is exactly what I had hoped for when deciding where to do my graduate studies. It has the perfect balance of challenge and stimulation combined with a supportive and friendly atmosphere. I feel lucky to have the incredible faculty and staff here for advice and encouragement. Professors are always available and sincerely dedicated to making sure we get the education and training we need to be successful. Also, I realize even more now the importance of having the opportunity to rotate through labs in different departments and scientific disciplines based on the many connections and friendships that I have made this year.

In addition to the wonderful student community and academics available here, Durham is a wonderful place to live. The cost of living is much more accommodating if you’re living on a graduate student stipend. At first I was worried that coming from New England that I would miss being 10 minutes from the ocean and an hour from the mountains. Although a little further away, the Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, and amazing North Carolina beaches have kept me from being homesick. There is no shortage of things to do in Durham or the surrounding triangle area either. There are tons of great restaurants to explore, music festivals and concerts, and other fun cultural events. I have really loved living here!

Todd J. Cohen

Pang Yao Lab

Undergraduate Institution: Penn State University

Project: I am currently investigating the molecular roles of the proteins involved in human ageing.

The CMB program is exceptional at finding the proper fit for a wide variety of incoming students. Whether you are interested in structural biology, neuroscience, or human pathology, CMB is the program that helps each graduate student find his niche. Additionally, the administrative staff, the CMB director of graduate studies (DGS), and the CMB faculty are all willing to accommodate the needs of each and every student. Once enrolled, the CMB curriculum provides a comprehensive survey of many areas of molecular biology and exposes first year students to some of the most elite faculty that Duke has to offer.

The atmosphere in and around Duke is very conducive to graduate study. We enjoy all the perks of a large university but without the distractions that come with a large city. Duke's on campus facilities including recreation centers and libraries are top of the line. Duke also provides graduate students with many options for extracurricular activities including team sports and activity clubs. Outside of campus, the quaint city of Durham provides a low cost of living and has a charm and personality that one rarely gets to experience, not to mention a great restaurant scene. And if the city life is more your speed, then Raleigh and Chapel Hill are just a short ride down the road.