UMich Vs. UNC in Bioinformatics

[ahmedelhossiny93]

Hi All,

I am doing my masters currently at University at Buffalo, in a neuroscience lab, where my project (working on multiple sclerosis and oligodendrocyte precursor cells biology) is employing both wet-lab and dry-lab work.

I got an offer from both UMich and UNC in the Bioinformatics PhD program under the Biomedical sciences program umbrella in the medical school. I am really confused what should I choose. I know both places are really good and they offer good training, both cities are great for student life. 

The only thing that makes UNC more appealing to me is that the nature of the labs affiliated with the program are more of wet-lab/dry-lab mixture, and focused on translational research more than UMich, where it's more of pure dry-lab nature and focusing more on statistical and mathematical research. Moreover, I believe I am going to have a good head start at UNC as I would a good experience (both in wet/dry lab skills) to blend in right away and be productive, on the contrary, same kind labs of UMich aren't as many,  as it's more of pure computational environment, where I think I would survive being pure computational biologist/Bioinformatian, but I am concerned I would take time to blend in and start publishing for example, and that's in case I found there research work appealing to me in the first place ?

Another confusing component is the ranking, as many advised me with UMich, as it has higher ranking than UNC, and that would reflect in the funding opportunities and training I receive. Also, being an international student, makes it essential for me to choose a place that gives me a boost to the market place when I graduate, because my chances are going to be always stricter due to visas and residency issues. The last thing is the city, as Michigan is more international friendly *as some people claim* than North Carolina. So those reasons might make UMich seems a more reasonable option, having an overall package of benefits, eventhough I am worried I might not find a *dream* lab. 

I would be really happy to hear your opinions, specially if someone in the field, I've spent to year in graduate school so far, but I feel this is a big decision for my future and I don't to be narrow-sighted while making a decision.

Thank you!

[sunny_247]

Hi! Congratulations on being accepted to both programs!

I myself am deciding between U-M and UNC, but for a completely different program. But I am from Durham, NC and went to UNC as an undergraduate and can assure you that it is an amazing school and an incredibly welcoming community and learning culture. If you find at any point that you don't like living in the small town of chapel hill during your PhD, you can always move to Durham or Cary and those are both really diverse areas nearby! Lots of people around the world move here for Research Triangle Park, Duke, UNC, NC State, etc. I have a lot of international friends. Plus, it is warmer here, so people actually hang out outside, hike, go to the beach, etc! 

The only reason I'm on the fence is because I want to try something new after being in the "Triangle" for 27 years and I'm not involved in the sciences! But you can't go wrong -- you have great options.

#goheels

[ahmedelhossiny93]

Thank you for your reply. I am going with U-M as they generally have better Bioinformatics program than UNC. And I am currently in Buffalo, so I am kind of used to the weather. 

 

Good luck with your choice as well.