creolan

I submitted an application this season. My research focuses on a systems biology approach to elucidating breast cancer signaling. Off the bat, it doesn't appear to be of an interest to the DOD. However, the DOD has an interest in breast cancer research (under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs within the Army) so I stated explicitly stated this and also gave one sentence on the "broad" impact of my proposed research. This application was super hard but a great exercise in concise writing! I hope it get it, though it's super competitive and I'm not too confident...

I've recently graduated with a BS in Biochemistry from a small women's college. I have some research experience from completing an undergraduate thesis in bioinformatics, and will most likely get my research published this summer (if not first author, second author publication). I am currently participating in a short term training fellowship in biomedical informatics at another local top-research university (may result in another publication). I have even worked in a hospital for the past year in a clinical unit (med/surg ICU) as a nursing assistant (not sure if it helps with biochem, but can't hurt). I took a very heavy and demanding course load each 4 years (17-21 credits each semester, nearly every chem course offered, plus most upper-level bio courses, many unnecessary science electives), worked multiple jobs concurrently for 3 years, and volunteered/participated in student orgs every year. I have taken the GRE's and did relatively average, but do plan on repeating them once I have time to better prepare my self. Here's my problem: I absolutely love science and want to pursue a career in biomedical research but my GPA (just shy of a 3.0) is not something I would be all too proud of. I'm afraid I may have spread my self too thin during undergrad, resulting in my low GPA. My goal is to get my PHD in genetics, so I'm looking for advice on the possible routes I could take to achieving that. I've applied to post-bac research programs and research tech positions (still waiting to hear back). Would it be more beneficial to go the "tech" or post-bac route for a year or two then apply to doctoral programs?? Or should I try a MS program first?? Or repeat undergraduate courses for a better GPA?? Or any combination of the three?? Thanks in advance for your help! (Sorry for the long post!)