Biological Sciences Ph.D.
We prioritize your growth and success as a researcher. We understand that each student has unique interests and ambitions, which is why we offer a diverse range of disciplines to specialize in. Our Ph.D. program revolves around fostering novel research that significantly contributes to the state of knowledge in your chosen field. The recognition of your accomplishment will be the publication of your research in peer-reviewed journals, presenting your findings at national or international meetings, and writing and defending your dissertation.
To ensure your success, we prioritize one-on-one faculty mentorship and personalized attention for your research. We want you to thrive and make the most of your time in our program, so we also encourage you to build a strong network within your peer group. With around 25 graduate students in the department, you'll have ample opportunities to forge lasting connections, develop friendships, and foster valuable collaborations.
Our graduate program is about more than just acquiring knowledge—it's about growing both professionally and personally, and contributing to the scientific community. We're excited to see the contributions that you'll make.
At Duquesne, our Biological Sciences Ph.D. program has a strong record of preparing graduates for successful careers, including postdoctoral positions at leading research institutions, faculty positions at colleges and universities and roles at biotechnology companies. Below is information about the program and the application process.
Application fee waivers are available for the Biology Ph.D. application for ALL applicants. Please contact Kelci%20Sopko to obtain a waiver code before you begin your Graduate CAS application.
Program Information
The PhD in Biological Sciences is a stipend-supported, molecular biology research-focused program with specializations in microbiology, cell biology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology, physiology, endocrinology and field biology.
Program Type
Major
Degree
Doctorate
Academic Department
Biological Sciences
Duration
5-years
Required Credit Hours
30 credit hours
Modality
In-Person
As a Ph.D. student, these are active research programs you can join, extend, and help
define. Your dissertation work will emerge from this kind of environment: collaborative,
data-driven, and designed to produce discoveries that are recognized through publication
and presentation in the global scientific community. The Dembowski Lab investigates how viruses manipulate host cells to promote infection. The lab focuses
on human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and how it reprograms cellular environments
to support viral gene expression, DNA replication, and the production of new virions.
This work provides a foundation for developing novel antiviral therapies. In evolutionary biology and landscape genomics, the Janecka Lab studies how habitat, geography, and behavior shape gene flow in wild populations such
as bobcats. Using multiscale landscape genetics, this work shows that even highly
mobile species exhibit subtle, scale-dependent genetic structure shaped more by ecological
conditions than distance alone. In microbiology, the Kim Lab explores the mechanisms of microbial interaction by studying multicellular behaviors
that manifest via pre-wired genetic circuits and de novo mutations that forge new
interactions. A multidisciplinary approach is employed, exploring diverse questions
ranging from evolution and ecology down to molecular structure and function. In vector biology and infectious disease control, the Lampe Lab advances paratransgenic strategies to combat malaria by engineering symbiotic bacteria
within mosquitoes. By optimizing bacterial protein delivery systems, this research
explores how microbial partners can be used to disrupt parasite transmission while
balancing therapeutic effectiveness and organismal fitness. In bacterial cell biology and antibiotic-producing organisms, the McCormick Lab examines how Streptomyces species regulate cell division and sporulation. By probing
the divisome and its associated proteins, this research reveals unexpected flexibility
in bacterial division machinery and uncovers compensatory mechanisms that allow complex
microbes to grow and reproduce even when canonical pathways are disrupted. Using a molecular genetic approach focused on membrane biochemistry, the Patton-Vogt Lab studies how cellular membranes are synthesized and degraded, and how the resulting
metabolites are utilized by the cell. Because cells and their organelles constantly
change during growth, division, and secretion, lipid metabolism must be tightly regulated
to maintain proper membrane structure and function. Lipids also serve important signaling
roles by generating molecules that mediate cellular communication. Disruptions in
lipid homeostasis can contribute to diseases such as diabetes, and cancer. In neuroscience, inflammation, and translational medicine, the Pollock Lab uses RNA sequencing to uncover how biological sex shapes responses to neuropathic
pain and treatment. Even when male and female subjects display similar pain behaviors,
their dorsal root ganglia show distinct gene expression patterns following injury
and COX-2–targeted nanoemulsion treatment. This work demonstrates that pain relief
can arise through different molecular pathways in males and females, reinforcing the
importance of sex as a biological variable in neuroinflammation research. In molecular ecology and evolution, the Porter Lab examines coloration in a diverse group of freshwater fishes called darters. This research
uses biochemistry, DNA and protein sequencing to explore the molecular evolution of
fish carotenoid and chromoprotein pigments that are shaped by sexual selection. Within the broad areas of molecular evolution and genome evolution, the Seaman Lab seeks to understand how adaptation works at the molecular level, with a focus on
the reproductive biology of humans and other primates, using both empirical and computational
approaches. In neurobiology, development, and microbial ecology, the Woodley Lab investigates how environmental microbes and other factors shape the gut–brain axis
in amphibians. Their research demonstrates that microbial exposure during early development
influences brain structure, behavior, and predator response, highlighting how microbiomes
contribute to neural and behavioral outcomes. The lab also studies the fascinating properties of salamander skin secretions, including
whether salamander secretions can combat antimicrobial-resistant pathogens.
"Throughout the Ph.D. program, I honed my critical thinking abilities, became
familiar with a wide range of techniques, and learned how to formulate and address
research questions effectively. As I transition to a new model and tackle different
research questions from my dissertation work, the expertise I acquired in the Patton-Vogt
lab has proven to be invaluable."
"As a doctoral student in the biological sciences program, I have been able to
see myself as a scientist through the supportive community here at Duquesne. I've
actively been encouraged to explore Ph.D. career opportunities by working with the
Center for Teaching Excellence, presenting my dissertation research at multiple national
conferences, and through a research collaboration with the Department of Energy National
Energy Technology Laboratory."
Research Opportunities
Questions? Contact Us!
Kelci Sopko
Alumni and Student Testimonials
Program Overview
Curriculum Overview
The graduate program in biological sciences is designed to help you to succeed as a researcher.
Year One (1): In the first year, you'll engage in advanced coursework, including Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology I and II, Introduction to Graduate Research I and II, and seminars. You will participate in two 10-week rotations, one in the fall and one in the spring semester, in research labs of your choice. There's a possibility of a third rotation in the summer.
At the culmination of your first year, you'll complete Step 1 of your Qualifying Exams. You'll receive several potential grant topics and prepare and defend a small grant proposal on the topic you choose.
Year Two (2): Moving on to the second year, you'll commit to one research lab, and continue to tailor your education in consultation with your advisor and Dissertation Committee. Additional elective courses will be selected based on your research interests. During this time, you'll develop your Dissertation Proposal, an essential milestone captured in Step 2 of your Qualifying Exam. Your proposal, written in the style of a small grant, will cover background and significance, specific aims, experimental approach, and a timeline for completion. Presenting this proposal to the department as a seminar and defending it in front of your Dissertation Committee will demonstrate your competence in your chosen area of research.
Upon the successful completion of Step 2 of the Qualifying Exam, you'll advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. The remaining years of your Ph.D. will be dedicated to conducting your proposed research, honing your experimental techniques, and showcasing your findings through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications. To ensure you stay on track and receive the support you need, annual Dissertation Committee meetings will be held to assess your progress and address any concerns that may arise.
Successful Applicants
We evaluate each application as a whole, acknowledging the full spectrum of your education, research experience, and other valuable experiences that are predictors of your success in graduate school. As you consider joining us, it's helpful to know that our admitted students usually possess the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, physiology, ecology, microbiology, environmental biology, virology, immunology or a related field.
- Courses in cell and molecular biology are strongly recommended for our program. This foundational knowledge will play a crucial role in helping you to prepare for the PhD Qualifying Exam, which heavily draws upon the principles covered in the Advanced Cell and Molecular Biology course during your first year.
- Courses in upper-level (junior and senior) biological discipline subjects.
- Courses in chemistry, organic chemistry, and math (including calculus and biostatistics). These subjects enrich your toolkit as a researcher and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of biological phenomena.
- A GPA (based on a 4.0 scale) of 3.25 or better in the sciences. In considering your application, we take into account your other academic achievements, such as undergraduate research experiences, recognizing that the GPA is just one aspect of your potential.
Your unique combination of education, research experience, and other life experiences make you a promising candidate for our program. We celebrate the individuality and diverse strengths of each applicant, and we are eager to discover how you will contribute to the vibrant academic community within our Biological Sciences PhD program.
Applying to the Program
We admit students one time per year, and are currently accepting applications for admittance beginning the following August. The application deadline is December 15th, so mark your calendar to seize this incredible chance.
To start your application, click on the link provided, and it will lead you to the Graduate Admissions portal, where you can submit your application materials as follows,
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Transcripts from all the colleges and universities you've attended will provide us with a comprehensive view of your academic history.
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A CV or resume for you to showcase your extracurricular achievements and experiences.
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A personal statement. Your statement will tell us why you're driven to pursue graduate school, share your future plans for your PhD degree, and explain why you've chosen to apply specifically to the Duquesne Biological Sciences Department. Your passion and vision matter to us.
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Contact information for three individuals who will write your letters of recommendation is a crucial part of the application. Their insights into your preparedness for graduate school, academic achievements, research experience, work ethic, and other attributes relevant to success will be valuable to our selection process.
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Transcripts from international universities must be evaluated by a transcript evaluation service.
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It is not necessary to contact faculty you are interested in working with before you apply. Your research lab will be chosen at the end of your first year. Please indicate in your personal statement any labs you have a potential interest in.
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It is important to note that GRE Exam scores are NOT required.
TOEFL – All instruction in the program is in English. While a TOEFL score is not required, demonstration of English competency is required. This can include an undergraduate degree from an institution that teaches in English, a TOEFL score, or a Test of Spoken English score. For PhD students receiving a Teaching Assistantship, all foreign students must complete a university administered oral test in English to be certified to teach undergraduates at Duquesne University.
Financial Support for PhD Students
As a Biology Ph.D. student, you'll receive financial support to ensure you can focus on your research. Our financial support includes:
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Assistantships: All students (including international students) receive support in the form of a Teaching Assistantship (TA) or a Research Assistantship (RA). In addition, full tuition is waived for all funded Ph.D. students.
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Stipend: Currently set at $30,000 per year. The stipend is for 12 months.
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Additional Benefits: In addition to the stipend, we offer subsidies for health insurance and parking permits.
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Duration of Support: Students in good standing typically receive financial support for five years, and you can also apply for one year of additional support. While we provide generous support, please note that funding beyond six years is highly unlikely.
Research assistantships (RA) are offered by labs that have external grant support that includes RA funding. More senior graduate students may apply for the Bayer Fellowship, a competitive RA stipend that recognizes exceptional accomplishments in the field.
Teaching Assistants (TA): As a Teaching Assistant, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting undergraduate education. This includes responsibilities such as managing laboratory sections, presenting pre-lab instructions, supervising lab activities, creating test materials, and conducting examinations. You'll be under the guidance of the faculty member leading the course, ensuring you gain teaching experience.
Biological Sciences Graduate Program Alumni
The biological sciences PhD program has a track record of graduating students that successfully obtain postdoctoral, faculty, and industry positions. Some recent alumni include,
William King, class of 2023. Will is now a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford University in California, where he studies the biochemistry of cell signaling. Will did his dissertation research in Dr. Jana Patton-Vogt's lab. His dissertation research has been published in several leading journals, such as the Journal of Biological Chemistry and FASEB journal.
Brooke Deal, class of 2023. Brooke is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Research and Development Scientist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she studies the efficacy of preclinical therapeutics. Brooke did her dissertation research in the lab of Dr. John Pollock on sex differences in the response to neuroinflammation and nano-medicines. Brooke has several publications in prestigious journals such as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
David Macar, class of 2023. David is now an Assistant Professor of Biology at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. David carried out his dissertation research in Dr. Phillip Auron's lab. David's dissertation research on the transcriptional regulation of various health and disease-related genes, was published in several key medical journals such as Cancers and the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Our PhD Program encompasses an exceptional team of research-active faculty. It is
important to note that not every faculty member accepts graduate students every year.
If you are specifically interested in one lab, please email the faculty member directly
to inquire about their availability for the current year. Membrane biogenesis and homeostasis Molecular alteration of host cells by herpes viruses Cell division and genomic segregation Control of insect-transmitted diseases with genetically modified bacteria Microbial ecology and interaction Microbial-mineral interactions in biofilms, microbial mats and stromatolites Bioremediation of toxic industrial sites Impacts of environmental stressors on animal health and disease Physiology and pathology of steroid hormones & steroid hormone mimickers Population genetics and genomics of wild felines Ecology and conservation genetics of North American fishes and birds Genetic basis of adaptation in humans, apes and other primates Gene regulation during pain perception; pain intervention with nanomedicines Hear directly from our Biological Sciences students as they share their Duquesne experiences,
mentorship stories and passion for research. ASBMB accreditation recognizes excellence in biochemistry and molecular biology education,
ensuring our programs meet the highest national standards for quality, innovation
and student achievement. It also strengthens our competitiveness in attracting top
students, faculty and institutional support.Recent Student Publications
Research Faculty
Jana Patton-Vogt, Ph.D.
Jill Dembowski, Ph.D.
Joseph McCormick, Ph.D.
David Lampe, Ph.D.
Wook Kim, Ph.D.
John Stolz, Ph.D.
Nancy Trun, Ph.D.
Sarah Woodley, Ph.D.
Kyle Selcer, Ph.D.
Jan Janecka, Ph.D.
Brady Porter, Ph.D.
Michael Jensen-Seaman, Ph.D.
John Pollock, Ph.D.
The Student Experience
Learning Outcomes
Accreditation
