Join a diverse cohort of interdisciplinary scholars
The Georgetown University Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (GU IMSD) reflects our institutional commitment to diversity and scientific workforce development. Leveraging an interdisciplinary network of more than 60 faculty across seven graduate programs and departments, the GU IMSD program will develop a diverse cadre of scholars prepared for careers in the biomedical scientific workforce.
About the IMSD
Four trainees enter the IMSD each year and are supported for Years 1 and 2. Year 1 consists of foundational coursework in trainees’ respective disciplines, with access to interdepartmental electives, cohort development activities and research rotations. All IMSD Trainees will complete a core Survival Skills course that focuses on scientific rigor, science communications, proposal development and responsible conduct of research. Trainees will also complete a course that helps them navigate institutional cultures, develop leadership skills, and synergize their sociocultural and science identities.
Trainees participate in a peer coaching program that will provide them with a self-sustaining structure to problem-solve and address career development issues with a community of peers. Additionally, IMSD trainees will develop cross-sector professional management and communications skills by completing a project management and communications curriculum.
During Year 2, trainees will join thesis research laboratories and form cross-disciplinary mentorship teams tailored to their individual interests and career development needs. The mentoring team structure will broaden trainees’ scientific skills and career perspectives. Trainees will also have protected time to complete experiential learning internship projects with administrative partners on campus, or with offsite partners in industry or policy sectors.
The IMSD T32 program at Georgetown University is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (1T32GM144880-01).
Benefits
- Access to elective courses from across the participating Ph.D. programs
- Funding to attend a conference to develop professional skills or build community (i.e., the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students)
- Monthly professional development sessions to broaden network connect with mentors
- Experiential learning internship during Year 2 of the program
- Project management training through the Georgetown University Academy for Transferable Management Skills program
- Leadership course to help trainees navigate institutional cultures
- Peer-to-peer coaching program
- Faculty mentoring teams for each trainee
Participating Programs and Faculty
Students complete the IMSD program while enrolled in one of seven participating Georgetown University Ph.D. programs. IMSD trainees and faculty mentors are expected to review and follow the IMSD Mentor/Trainee/Program Expectations.
Browse faculty by program to learn about potential research opportunities.
How to Apply
If you are interested in being considered for the GU IMSD program, please use the “Optional Diversity Statement” of your PhD program application to discuss in a few sentences why you are interested in the IMSD program and what you hope to both gain from and contribute to the program. PhD program directors will nominate IMSD fellows for consideration. Interviews for the IMSD will take place in late winter/early spring.
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Alignment of interest statements with IMSD program offerings
- Alignment of research interests with IMSD research areas
- Strong letters of recommendation in graduate school application
- Show a demonstrated commitment to increasing the full participation of underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences
Leadership
For more information, contact us at guimsd@georgetown.edu.
Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss, Ph.D.
IMSD PI and Co-Director
Professor, Chair and Director of Neuroscience Graduate Programs, Department of Neuroscience
Caleb McKinney,
Ph.D., MPS
IMSD PI and Co-Director
Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine; Assistant Vice President of Master’s Program Administration & Development, Georgetown University Medical Center
Ronda Rolfes,
Ph.D.
IMSD PI and Co-Director
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Biology
Amari McMurray-Boston, BSHS
IMSD Program Manager
Senior Coordinator, Training Grant Support, Biomedical Graduate Education
Fellows
Meet the doctoral trainees of the IMSD program.
2024 Cohort
Meghan Brandt
Chemistry
“I have been blessed with really great mentors whom I strive to be like…One of my main goals in life is to be a mentor for others and inspire them to accomplish whatever they want.”
Jennifer Dukov
Biology
“I’ve learned that having a trusted mentor involved from the beginning can greatly aid in the challenging process of crafting a convincing narrative. Let your mentor in on the ground floor of the application process!”
Celine Ertekin
Neuroscience
“For applicants, I recommend taking the time to understand your motivations and how your experiences have influenced your research interests and career goals.”
Sofia Montoya
Neuroscience
“Take some time to reflect. I was asked a lot why I wanted to pursue a doctoral program and at times I even questioned it myself… It’s all about telling your story.”
Lily Sabol
Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology
“I took the intro biology classes for fun, and while taking those classes, my professors saw my knack for science and pushed me to consider a different path. I am incredibly grateful to have listened to their advice.”
Giorgi Shautidze
Pharmacology & Physiology
“As a child, I realized that all the breakthroughs in my field of interest (which was obviously black holes at that time) were happening due to ‘scientists’ and ‘researchers’… I decided from an early age that I would be a part of this progress.”
Johnny Velasquez
Tumor Biology
“My goal is not only to contribute scientifically but also foster inclusivity and growth within the field.”
2023 Cohort
Alec Gamboa
Neuroscience
“I think it’s fascinating to be able to bring different fields together and share methodologies that contribute to the same topic.”
Abbas Hussain
Pharmacology & Physiology
“I hope to become more interconnected with other Ph.D. programs and the Georgetown community as a whole.”
Malak Mackie
Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology
“The network of research scientists you are welcomed into becomes your motive force, driving you toward a future of great discovery.”
Flavia Miccolis
Chemistry
“I have being trying to be a positive influence to others like my mentors were to me.”
Ronald Missihoun
Tumor Biology
“I hope to build leadership, organizational, team-building skills with a note on professional development and project management.”
2022 Cohort
Samuel Allsup
Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology
“I hope the program will build a community, and also help me be able to categorize and assess my own strengths and identify areas for additional work.”
Korliss Britt
Neuroscience
“I hope to gain knowledge and skills to develop as a neuroscientist through networking.”
Giselle Burton Sojo
Tumor Biology
“I have loved having mentors and also have enjoyed being a mentor, so it is definitely something that has played a very important role in my career and educational journey.”
Cheyenne Orozco
Chemistry
“Pursuing a Ph.D. requires more perseverance and confidence than anything else.”
Reniel Suarez Gonzalez
Pharmacology & Physiology
“The only way we can make science more inclusive is by assuming decision-making roles that contribute to achieving this goal.”