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rmo_3000

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    61-51 146th Street, Flushing, NY 11367
  • Application Season
    2014 Fall
  • Program
    Biology

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  1. Greetings, I am currently starting my second year of a masters program in Biology. I am planning to seek employment in a research lab (Gov't, Biopharma, etc.) upon graduation. I am on the brink of getting deeply involved in research toward my Masters Thesis, but am torn between two lab opportunities. The two lab environments very different in two major ways: 1) 'Lab 1' --- Culture: has 14 lab members plus the PI (I emphasize 'now' because 3 weeks ago, when I first met its members, there was 11!). The PI is a well-recognized Scholar in the field (Genomics-based analysis of pathogen infectivity) Although I met with the PI, who seemed enthusiastic about my joining the lab, she has relogated me to work directly with a Post-doc. Granted, there are many members in the lab; nonetheless, I feel slighted for having paid so much to attend this school, and feel that I could've easily worked with a Post-doc at a public school. (On a related note, I also don't feel that I'm getting full access to the lab equipment that the school has to offer (e.g., I will be doing 16s ribosomal RNA sequencing vs. Whole-genome shotgun Sequencing). Research: the goal is to sequence the respiratory Microbiome of a model organism (Ferrets) to identify any biomarkers (gene, protein, miRNA, etc.) that may indicate the severity of Influenza co-infection (i.e., detect bacterial co-infection). It involves DNA extraction, PCR, Library Preparation, 16s rRNA Illumina Sequencing, and finally computational and alignment analysis (the lab focus is Genomics & Systems Biology). 2) 'Lab 2' --- Culture: Very simple....it will be the PI and myself. The PI is an Assistant Professor. Apparently, her mentor, a Professor with the University, is now working at a different location. She informed me that I would get a lot of experience and so forth Research: The focus is on evaluating the mechanisms and consequences of immune activation and immune exhaustion during HIV infection in children by examining biomarkers along with T Cells. According to her, I would learn Flow Cytometry, FACS, and Cell Culturing. What's more, she said I may be able to spearhead a project looking at immune activation in the mucosa induced by bacterial translocation....in other words, I will may be doing actual biomedical research. Most important, the samples are from humans (n=242). Thanks for reading this much...now for my questions: 1) clearly Lab 1 is more established, with a PI who has published extensively in the field, and whose name may 'carry some weight' when it comes time to ask for a reference/recommmendation. However, I may actually get more experience, albeit different methods/techiques, from 'Lab 2'. Holding whether I want to work in a group environment or work independently constant, which Lab should I choose? 2) Based on the lab techniques mentioned in 'Research' section above, which are more marketable in todays laboratory workplace? Thanks again for getting through this lengthy inquiry. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
  2. Greetings, I'm a first year grad students in a Masters Program in Biotech. I'm hoping to get a handle on the courses I should take to boast my candidacy to employers in the Biotech/Biopharmaceutical Industry. This Fall I'm taking three courses: a 'Core' Class (required), a Molecular Bio Lab course, (as well as Mol Bio Lab II in Spring 2015 and and Mol Bio Lab III in Fall 2015), and a third class. Below I've listed the courses I'm considering. Among these courses, which would be most suitable for a student who hopes to work in the BioPharmaceutical Field, especially in the development of Biologics and/or Gene-Therapy or Stem-Cell Therapy? Molecular Mechanisms in Biology (currently registered) Topics include: Principles of protein structure and folding Enzyme structure and mechanism Structure-based drug design Molecular machines Membrane proteins Protein-nucleic acid recognition RNA structure, ribozymes and riboswitches Ligand-receptor recognition Protein-protein interactions in signal transduction Protein-protein interactions in immune recognition Introduction to x-ray crystallography and electron microcopy Virology Topics include: Innate and Adaptive Immunity Viral Evasion of host responses to infections, List of viruses to be covered include: Picornaviruses, Rotavirus, Norovirus, Arboviruses, Paramyxoviruses, Influenza, Rabies, Coronavirus, Human retroviruses & HIV, Adenovirus, Papillomaviruses, Alpha, Beta & Gamma Herpes viruses, and Viral hepatitis. Molecular & Genetic Toxicology Topics include: DNA Damage & Mutagenesis Cytotoxicity and Mutagenesis Assays Transgenic Mutation Systems Epigenetic Toxicology Chemical & Physical Analysis DNA Adducts DNA Repair & Repair Deficient Diseases Germ Cell Mutagenesis Cytogenetic Endpoints & Genome Instability Indicators Co-mutagenesis & Antimutagenesis DNA Repair & Carcinogenesis- A Synthesis Biotechnology & Healthcare Topics include: Human development: growth and differentiation Stem cells and tissue maintenance Biology of regeneration Regenerative therapy Cloning technology Reproductive and therapeutic cloning Emerging regeneration technologies Human Genome Epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulations Genetics and epigenetics in health and disease Biology of aging Biology of cancer Why is Biotech a strategic technology? Conclusions I realize that the Molecular Mechanisms course and the Virology course will cover highly in-depth material, the Toxicology course is largely built upon methodological approaches to assays, and the Biotech & Healthcare course is a 'broad sweep' of new technologies and approaches to diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Beyond this, however, I am confused about which of these courses would be most ideal for my career goals mentioned above. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading all this!!
  3. You may want to try this link to Peterson's Guide Online http://www.petersons.com/graduate-schools/university-of-colorado-denver-school-of-medicine-biochemistry-and-molecular-genetics-program-000_10033305.aspx Looks like UC Denver is 27% for the Biochem program. I hope this helps.
  4. The MAPSS Program, while offering highly flexible course choices, offers virtually zero guidance -- that is, until you elect a 'Reader' of your Masters Thesis (typically a Professor in a related field) and a 'Preceptor' (typically a PhD student in your field of interest). You will typically make these decisions in your second trimester (btw, there are three trimesters per year versus the traditional Fall and Spring). Until this time, you have only the Director of the Program to consult. If the position is still chaired by Dr. MaCaloon, I hope you bring patience and tolerance -- to go along with your smarts -- to the school. He can be difficult. Having said this, the 'Perspectives' class, which Dr MaCaloon teaches, is a real eye-opener, in that is throws light upon the social sciences in a wholly unique way. By the end of the class, you'll view the (largely arbitrary) distinctions between the social sciences (Political science, Sociology, Econ, etc.) as highly interdisciplinary. As MacAloon puts it, you'll have a 'new lense' for viewing the world around you. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with Duke's program, so can't draw a comparison. Just thought I'd offer my experience.
  5. Vene, Thanks for your advice -- especially the part about taking a Regulatory Affairs class
  6. Greetings All, I am attending Graduate School for a Masters Degree in Biology or Biotech this Fall (depending on which program accepts me and I, in turn, accept). So far, I've been accepted to NYU, Queens College, and LIU Post (MS in Biomedical Science). The areas of Biology that most interest me are Molecular Bio, Stem/Developmental Bio, Immunology , and Epigenetics. I am planning to get a job after the completion of the Masters Degree (knock on wood!). I am hoping for any advise regarding the following questions (or any portion thereof): 1) My first question relates to the reputation of the school. How much does 'name' matter? Would it make a significant difference to an employer to hire a graduate of a recognized school like NYU versus a lesser known school like Queens College, assuming GPA's are equivalent? More specifically, since NYU is almost 5x's as expensive to attend than Queens College, does the former (potentially) offer better enough employment prospects to justify the added financial investment? 2) Alternatively, for employment purposes, would it be wiser to enroll in the third program I was accepted to, LIU Post, which is an MS in Biomedical Sciences rather than an MS in Biology? (After all, Biology is more of a 'basic science' whereas Biomedical Science is more applied science) 3) Regarding 'focus areas' or specialties, I've heard it said that a focus area (genetics, immunology, neurobiology, etc.) is not as important for a Masters student who's planning to continue to a doctorate program; however, for a masters student planning to go to work in research (biotech, biopharma, etc.) I would assume it is important to have a focus area??? If so, could anyone suggest the most viable area among Molecular Bio, Genetics, Immunology, or Developmental? 4) Regardless of a focus area, any there any particular coursework or lab exposure I should get in order to make me a more viable candidate for employment. 5) Lastly, since I haven't yet heard from SUNY Stonybrook or Rutgers Biomedical Sciences, I have to pose this question: If you were hiring, which of the following Masters degrees would you most likely hire from, or, at least, think is most attractive on a CV? - NYU Biology (Applied Recombinant DNA Technology) - SUNY Stonybrook (Biochemistry and Cell Biology) - Rutgers University (Biomedical Sciences -- focus Neuroscience My apologies for the long message and the deluge of questions! Any help would be IMMENSELY appreciated. Thanks, R. Owens
  7. Kimmibeans, congratulations on your acceptance to Einstein! My cousin went their and now he's a surgeon performing organ transplants (he also went to Binghamton!). Thanks also for your advice. NYU does have a thesis-based option, which I'll pursue. I just hope that the NYU's recognition (vs. Queens) justified the expense!
  8. Thanks for everyone's insight! Really, really appreciated! Beaker Breaker, I may have (somewhat) competitive stats (SUNY Binghamton Undergrad...Science GPA 3.7, Overall 3.15, GRE: 159 (Verb), 158 (Math), 4.5 AWA). However, I have virtually no lab experience, except as required by Intro Bio, Cell Bio, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, which, btw, were taken in the late '90's -- when I was an undergrad! Also, I should point out the schools I am referring to... They are: Queens College (Public School) LIU Post (Private School) VERY IMPORTANT: I've just been accepted to NYU, which I'm thrilled about! From my understanding, their program seems geared toward lab experience (there is a required Molecular Bio I, II, III, and IV Lab as well as thesis research). From what you've mentioned -- that industry pays more attention to technique -- I would think that this masters program would be intended for those going into industry? NYU is probably more expensive than both LIU and Queens College combined! However, as Vene points out, it's really a question of 'What can I expect for a Paycheck afterwards? At the expense of sounding like an accountant, what is the Return on Investment? Will it pay dividends in the long run? These questions I know not. thanks again for everyone's help.
  9. Greetings everyone, I was recently accepted to two masters programs (I'm 2-for-2 out of 6 so far!). 'School A' is a public school that offers a 'standard' Masters Program in Biology (one might say, 'garden variety' courses in genetics, molecular, developmental, cell, immunology, etc.); whereas 'school B' is a private school, ~ 4x's more expensive than school A, but offers a concentration in molecular immunology and also a concentration in cancer biology (I'd like to work in one of these areas). School B is actually an Masters in Biomedical Sciences. 3 other points worth mentioning: 1) Neither school is listed in the (almighty) US News and Report Ranking System for Biological / Biomedical Sciences, so there's no clear-cut 'pecking order' between these two schools. 2) I'm not sure whether I want to continue with a PhD upon completion of the Masters program. 3) I'm (probably) not eligible for a scholarship or other largesse of 'unconditional funding', although I did apply for FAFSA. I'm at a loss for what to do now. On the one hand, the private school tuition is irrelevant if I become employable in my field of study, while I do not upon graduating from the public school. If this is the case, the decision is quite simple. I guess another question I have is whether having a Masters degree in Biology w/o a distinct concentration leads to employable skills? Or is in primarily intended as a 'steppingstone' to a PhD degree? Are there any websites anyone knows of that provides the 'skinny' on employment statistics for various graduate schools and graduate programs (the type of data not generally published on the schools website)? Thanks for reading my post. Any help would be greatly appreciated,
  10. Greetings to all, I'm just curious why graduate schools ask about other schools to which I am applying? I'm assuming it is for statistical purposes or something. Also, for my 'reach' school, would it make any sense to include better schools than the ones I am actually applying to in order to 'boost my candidacy? Perhaps someone could clarify this for me. Thanks
  11. The only two schools that I found that 'require' the Bio Subject test are City University of New York ('CUNY') Schools. They probably both get a lot of applicants because it's an inexpensive program and in New York City; so, it's probably an effective way to 'weed out the undesireables'.
  12. Hi, I ran out of time on the Essay question, so in a panic, I decided to cut and paste my intro to my conclusion (I kept the intro by first pasting it there and then pasting it after the body). So, in effect, my intro and conclusion are the same (the idea was to make some edits to the conclusion, but I ran out of time!!! Not good judgement, I know, but I really panicked! Does anyone know how many points I could be expected to lose from this butchery? (I'm probably getting my grade next week, but couldn't wait...) thanks,
  13. Greetings, I graduated with my BA in Experimental Psychology almost 15 years ago. However, prior to declaring Psychology as my major, I was a pre-med students, so took several courses in Biology (Intro I and II, Microbio, Cell Bio, Anatomy & Physiology I and II), Chemistry (Inorganic I and II; Organic I and II) and Physics I and II. I'm now planning to apply to Masters Programs in Biology. Here's my question: although most of the schools to which I'm planning to apply neither require nor even 'strongly recommend' taking the GRE Biology Subject Test, since I'm out of school so long and didn't major in Biology (albeit I took several bio courses), would it be wise for me to take the Subject test in Bio just to let grad schools know that I'm knowledgable in the subject??? (Additional Info: 3.2 GPA (overall); 3.83 GPA (Bio courses); 3.56 (All Science...bio, chem, phys) I took the GRE General 3 days ago, 159 Verbal; 158 Math; don't now the AWA yet...) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  14. Greetings, I graduated with my BA in Experimental Psychology almost 15 years ago. However, prior to declaring I was a pre-med students, so took several courses in Biology (Intro I and II, Microbio, Cell Bio, Anatomy & Physiology I and II), Chemistry (Inorganic I and II; Organic I and II) and Physics I and II. I'm now planning to apply to Masters Programs in Biology. Here's my question: although most of the schools to which I'm planning to apply neither require nor 'strongly recommend' taking the GRE Biology Subject Test, since I'm out of school so long, don't have any academic LOR's (15 years is a long time!), and didn't major in Biology, would it be wise for me to take the Subject test in Bio to let grad schools now that I'm competent in the subject??? (Additional Info: 3.2 GPA (overall); 3.83 GPA (Bio courses); 3.56 (All Science...bio, chem, phys) I took the GRE General 3 days ago, 159 Verbal; 158 Math; don't now the AWA yet...) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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