“At Hopkins, I’ve learned to collaborate [and communicate] with different people as well as think outside the box. Because CMDB is an umbrella program, you’re going to get different input for your projects. It will expand how you think about [science]."

Whether it is engaging in discussions with my lab members, attending weekly progress reports, or learning from distinguished faculty in special seminars, the CMDB program fosters a supportive environment for scientific growth.

Brenda Cesar studies meiosis, a specialized cell division that generates haploid gametes to ensure the correct inheritance of genomes from parent to offspring. It not only allows the reproduction of all sexually reproducing organisms, but it also promotes genetic diversity. Meiosis is a highly orchestrated process that requires proper interactions...

I remember being nervous to choose a graduate program and possibly regret my decision. Every day, I am thankful that I chose CMDB. This program hosts a strong scientific community paired with an incredibly supportive environment. Whether I need help from my mentor, another PI, or other students, you can...

I chose CMDB because I have long been interested in the modularity of biological systems, the emergent properties that arise through the interaction of biomolecules, and their potential for rational design.

Outside of the lab, the friends I have made in CMDB have been my greatest support system. The transition from undergraduate to graduate school is tough, but my cohort members kept me motivated.

“The rotation program made me realize how much I loved all aspects of biology, and I joined Jocelyne’s lab because it was so interdisciplinary. It’s sequencing-based, which involves computational analysis, but it also allowed me to work in a controlled laboratory setting as well as in the field.”

CMDB is a true umbrella program. I really appreciate the well-rounded foundation in biology that I developed through the first-year core classes and rotations, which enabled me to approach my project from new perspectives. CMDB also places strong emphasis on developing scientific communication skills through rotation talks, progress reports, and...

Every lab that I worked in made me feel welcome. I am grateful that I had the opportunity of working with brilliant young scientists.

When applying to graduate programs, I gravitated towards CMDB due to the incredible range of scientific disciplines represented here. I have chosen a specific path for my research, but the cooperative nature of the CMDB community allowed me to continually learn and apply new skills to my research.

From the get go, I felt like I had a family and community here. Hopkins is an extremely collaborative institution and people truly enjoy the work that they do. People here really care about the research that others do, even if it falls outside their expertise, offering diverse perspectives and...

I have met some of the most intelligent, curious, and scientifically diverse people in my lab. My discussions with them, whether at lab meetings or just informally in the lab, introduce novel ways to conceptualize and attack my scientific question in a way that I was not previously considering.

I really love the community here. Everyone is so supportive and genuinely wants to see you succeed. I have felt the support of faculty and peers throughout first year classes and rotation talks to big milestones like the qualifying exam.

In my thesis research, I am using computational and statistical approaches to study the origins of chromosome abnormalities in human embryos -- the leading cause of pregnancy loss. CMDB offers the unique opportunity to work in a fundamental biology department while connecting with genetics, genomics, and developmental biology labs across...

“People at Hopkins are just really friendly and really collaborative. Doors are open, literally and figuratively. People make themselves available to talk to you. And I like the feel of Baltimore, I love the community vibe, I feel like people care a lot about this city."

The CMDB program provides an ideal environment for me to grow as a well-rounded researcher, building skills not only as a competent experimenter but also as a good writer, speaker, collaborator, and mentor.

CMDB is also a very student-driven program — grad students lead almost all the research in the labs here, which makes the department very focused on grad student training and also provided me with a lot of opportunities to learn different skills.

I appreciate how individuals engage with science here. I am able to investigate my project incorporating my own ideas, as well as gathering feedback from PIs, committee members, lab colleagues, and everyone in the department during progress reports. It's invigorating to discuss my project with people from diverse backgrounds, and...