Sharpen your research skills. The doctoral program in cancer biology at UToledo will prepare you to make important contributions in the fight against a disease that affects millions.
The doctoral program in cancer biology at The University of Toledo takes a two-pronged approach to educating the next generation of cancer researchers.
Our Ph.D. students learn the molecular, genetic basis of cancer, as well as cutting-edge research skills. Our doctoral students receive excellent training in all aspects of biomedical science research methods. They develop a depth and breadth of knowledge in cancer biology through:
Research options. Each Ph.D. graduate student completes three research rotations in faculty labs before selecting a mentor and research focus.
Dual M.D./Ph.D. degree. Many UToledo medical students seek a combined M.D./Ph.D. in our research program. They want to learn how to become physician-scientists and develop their own basic, translational or clinical research programs after graduation and medical residency. They also recognize that expertise in the scientific method is increasingly important for excellent patient care.
Leading-edge research facilities. Cancer biology Ph.D. students have access to shared instruments and labs within our department, as well as core laboratories in:
Focus on communication skills. Every month, biomedical science graduate students publish articles about their research in The Blade, Toledo’s newspaper. This program — unique to UToledo — allows students to learn how to write and speak about their research in ways that the public can understand. These communication skills are important when trying to earn grant funding.
Collegial spirit. Our doctoral students thrive, thanks to the collaborative spirit fostered by the faculty, staff and students within the four departments of UToledo's College of Medicine and Life Sciences. Students enjoy the community, too. Toledo, Ohio, offers a small-town, family-oriented atmosphere with a cost of living much lower than larger cities or cities on the West or East Coast.
Nearly 100% of graduates of UToledo’s cancer biology doctoral program have gone on to postdoctoral fellowships and then salaried employment in academia, industry, or government biomedical research or research-related positions.
Our Ph.D. graduates have landed post-doctoral fellowship positions at:
"I was privileged to gain acceptance into the laboratory of my choice under the guidance of my exceptionally student-friendly advisor. Working with her, I learned the importance of being punctual and professional, being able to multi-task, the value of ethics in research and the need to doggedly persevere, yet know when a project is a dead end."
"During my graduate studies, I learned to be curious, critical and creative. Through being curious and looking at situations in new ways, I found that there is always a chance to improve a situation and to succeed."
Cancer Biology Graduate Program Sample Classes
Research is the backbone of UToledo's cancer biology doctoral program. Our Ph.D. students sample at least three faculty labs before choosing their areas of focus.
Ph.D. students are required to:
All doctoral candidates are encouraged to attend national or international meetings to present their research. Students also organize and present research at an annual cancer biology retreat off campus and at a graduate research forum organized by the Council of Biomedical Graduate Students.
UToledo cancer biology faculty members have a wide range of research knowledge and strengths. They have expertise in cell culture and cloning, as well as a multitude of biochemical and molecular biological techniques.
All faculty members with active research labs publish peer-reviewed research manuscripts in internationally recognized scientific journals. Graduate students who are contributing lab members often co-author.
Cancer biology research topics include:
