RESOURCE TEXT
Interested in applying to interdisciplinary PhD programs in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, bioengineering, or cancer biology? Join this session of our PhD Application Series, featuring two PhD students at the University of Michigan and Baylor College of Medicine who will share their application experiences, research backgrounds, and strategies for navigating broad or highly focused research interests.
Date & Time
October 19 (Saturday)
- Eastern Time (US): 10:00–11:00 AM
- Pacific Time (US): 7:00–8:00 AM
- Beijing Time: 10:00–11:00 PM
- UK Time: 3:00–4:00 PM
Speakers
Ella | University of Michigan PIBS
Ella received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and is currently a first-year PhD student in the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) at the University of Michigan.
Her undergraduate research spanned several areas, including bioengineering, neuroscience, and neurotechnology. Because of these interdisciplinary interests, she applied to programs across neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and related fields. In this session, Ella will share how she approached applications with a broad research background, communicated an interdisciplinary scientific identity, and navigated program selection.
Shiyi Wu | Baylor College of Medicine — Cancer Cell Biology
Shiyi Wu received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. During her junior year, she began a year-long overseas undergraduate thesis project at MIT, where her research focused primarily on breast cancer.
During the 2024 application cycle, she received five interview invitations and three PhD offers. She ultimately joined the Cancer Cell Biology PhD Program at Baylor College of Medicine as a direct-entry PhD student.
Shiyi will share her experience building a focused research profile in cancer biology, preparing application materials, and navigating interviews and program selection.
About the Session
The session will include experience sharing from both speakers followed by an open Q&A.
Topics will include, but are not limited to:
- Academic and research backgrounds
- School and program selection strategies
- Applying with interdisciplinary research interests
- Building and communicating a focused research narrative
- Preparing CVs, statements, and other application materials
- PhD interview preparation and practical tips
- What matters most in a PhD application
- Managing application anxiety and balancing applications with coursework and research
Join the Session
Platform: Zoom
Meeting ID: 845 3791 9186
Passcode: 714516