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Georgia Southern offering new PhD in biomedical sciences

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 19:33 GMT by WTOC-TV
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[Assistant checks the URL content]Georgia Southern University has announced a bold expansion of its research offerings with the launch of a brand‑new Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Biomedical Sciences. Set to debut in the fall of 2025, the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to cultivating a pipeline of scientists who can tackle pressing health challenges while strengthening the South Georgia region’s reputation as a hub for biomedical innovation.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences is a rigorous, three‑year, full‑time program that blends advanced coursework with intensive laboratory research. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of molecular biology, genetics, cellular signaling, and translational medicine. Students will complete core courses—such as “Advanced Molecular Techniques,” “Genomic Data Analysis,” and “Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases”—before selecting a specialized research track that aligns with their interests, be it neurodegeneration, immunology, or regenerative medicine.

The program places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are encouraged to work across campus with researchers in the Institute for Biotech Innovation, the School of Engineering, and the newly established Center for Translational Health. The curriculum also requires a substantial dissertation component, culminating in a publishable research article that addresses a real‑world biomedical problem.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly selective. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field, demonstrate a robust research record, and submit GRE scores, two research references, and a statement of purpose. The university is also offering a competitive stipend package—$20,000 per year, plus health insurance—alongside a merit‑based scholarship fund that can cover tuition for the first two years.

Faculty and Research Leadership

The program is spearheaded by Dr. Laura Chen, a prominent figure in the field of neurobiology who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and has published over 60 peer‑reviewed papers. Dr. Chen’s laboratory at Georgia Southern focuses on neurodegenerative disorders and has recently secured a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant for a project on Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers.

Other key faculty include Dr. Miguel Hernandez, an immunologist whose research on cytokine signaling has implications for vaccine development, and Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a stem‑cell biologist working on organoid models for liver disease. Together, they form a diverse faculty that spans the spectrum of biomedical inquiry.

Strategic Partnerships

Georgia Southern’s new Ph.D. program is built on a network of strategic partnerships that enhance both training and research opportunities. The university has formalized agreements with several regional hospitals and research institutions, including:

• Georgia Baptist Hospital: Students can conduct clinical trials and gain hands‑on experience with patient data, benefiting from the hospital’s state‑of‑the‑art diagnostic facilities.
• Emory University’s School of Medicine: Joint seminars and research collaborations provide access to cutting‑edge genomic sequencing technologies.
• The University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine: Cross‑disciplinary projects on zoonotic diseases bridge human and animal health.
• The Georgia Department of Public Health: Students can engage in epidemiological studies that directly inform public policy.

These partnerships not only broaden the research scope but also open doors for future employment and collaborative grant opportunities.

Career Trajectories and Economic Impact

Graduates of the Ph.D. program are expected to enter a variety of roles across academia, industry, and government. According to the university’s career services data, recent Ph.D. graduates from related programs have secured faculty positions at top research universities, research scientist roles at biotechnology firms, and positions in national laboratories. Additionally, many are pursuing postdoctoral training at international research centers.

From an economic perspective, the program is poised to contribute significantly to South Georgia’s workforce. The university estimates that each new Ph.D. graduate will generate an average annual economic impact of $300,000, accounting for research grants, clinical trials, and the development of start‑ups. By attracting high‑level talent and fostering collaborations, the program aims to position Georgia Southern as a leader in the burgeoning biotech industry.

Vision for the Future

In a statement released during the announcement, University President Dr. Thomas R. “Tom” Jackson emphasized the strategic vision behind the program: “Our new Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences reflects our dedication to bridging fundamental research and clinical application. By investing in our students and faculty, we are creating a vibrant ecosystem that will drive innovation, attract talent, and improve health outcomes for our communities.”

Dr. Jackson also highlighted the university’s broader commitment to sustainability and inclusive excellence. The Ph.D. program will actively recruit students from underrepresented groups, ensuring a diverse cohort that mirrors the population it will ultimately serve.

Looking Ahead

The first cohort of Georgia Southern’s Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences will begin in September 2025, with an anticipated enrollment of 20 students. The university is launching an intensive pre‑program to provide incoming students with foundational skills in bioinformatics, grant writing, and scientific communication.

Prospective applicants can find detailed information about the application process, program curriculum, and faculty profiles on the university’s Biomedical Sciences department page. For further context on the program’s alignment with national research priorities, the article references the NIH’s strategic plan for biomedical research, which underscores the importance of translational science and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Georgia Southern’s new Ph.D. program represents a significant leap forward for the university’s research mission. By combining rigorous academic training, strategic industry partnerships, and a clear focus on real‑world impact, the program promises to produce the next generation of biomedical leaders who will tackle some of the most challenging health problems of our time.