The Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics (MCBG) program is an interdisciplinary graduate program recognizing the need for highly trained scientists conversant across various disciplines.
The program provides a broad education-training program for graduate students interested in biomedical problems that cross disciplinary boundaries and offers the opportunity for students to choose from approximately 80 faculty in 10 different departments/centers to pursue their research interests. This program offers both MS and PhD degrees and focuses on the study of the structure, function and makeup of biologically important molecules within the context of the living cells. Our curriculum and research activities are tailored to students’ needs and interests. See our areas of research interest.
Our faculty are at the forefront of new advances in the biomedical sciences and new developments in techniques for understanding the genetic and molecular basis of developmental pathways and disease states such as cancer, aging, AIDS, malaria and neurological disorders. Consequently, students can pursue a wide range of projects, from designing and developing new therapeutic treatment strategies to characterizing the molecular mechanisms that underpin various cellular processes and diseases. This intensive and research-oriented program provides students with opportunities to perform cutting edge biomedical research employing multidisciplinary strategies. Learn more about our faculty.
Learn more about the curriculum for the Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program.
Recent Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics program graduates are at:
Academic or Clinical Institutions
· Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
· Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
· Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
· Duke University
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Fox Chase Cancer Center
· Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
· Institute for Protein Innovation
· Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
· Rutgers University
· Thomas Jefferson University
· University of California Los Angeles, School of Medicine
· University of Minnesota
· University of Pennsylvania Center for Innovation
· University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
· Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Academic Institutions (PhD Studies after MS completion)
· Drexel University College of Medicine
· Emory University
· Medical University of South Carolina
· Ohio State University
· Temple University
· Thomas Jefferson University
· University of Delaware
· University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Biotech and Pharmaceutical Companies
· Alcon
· Absorption Systems
· BioTek Instruments
· Biomeme
· Boehringer Ingelheim
· Carisma Therapeutics
· Castle Creek Biosciences
· CellOxess
· EMD Serono
· Eurofins Scientific
· Fishawack Group of Companies
· Genewiz
· GlaxoSmithKline
· Illumina
· Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
· Merck & Co.
· Opentrons Labworks
· Pharmaceutical Product Development
· Quest Diagnostics
· Rockland Immunochemicals
· Sana Biotechnology
· Spark Therapeutics
· Tmunity Therapeutics Incorporated
· UCB
MCBG/Cancer Bio Graduate Programs Spring 2025 Seminar Series
- Every Thursday at 1 p.m.
- Some external speakers will be Zoom only. All others hybrid (in person and Zoom).
- Zoom available only for students working at Queen Lane, Fox Chase or Wistar. If working in the New College Building, you MUST attend in person.
- In-person seminars will be held in New College Building, Geary A Auditorium
- All students must attend seminars. Students are only allowed to miss three seminars per year.
- Contact Eishi Noguchi, PhD, at en34@drexel.edu for meeting ID and password.
Learn more about the Spring 2025 Seminar Series.
News and Announcements
We congratulate the following master’s and PhD students from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies on the successful defense of their theses. Read more.
Congratulations Dr. Jasmine Peake
Jasmine Peake, PhD, an MCBG graduate, has accepted the position of assistant professor of biology at Lincoln University. Jasmine did her PhD dissertation work under the guidance of Dr. Eishi Noguchi, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Discovery Day Winners
Mihyun Oh (mentor: Srinivas Somarowthu, PhD) gave a platform presentation at Drexel Discovery Day 2024.
Rachel Berman received the third place for Outstanding Senior Graduate Student Poster, Discovery Day 2024.
Eilidh Sidaway (mentor: Joris Beld, PhD) received an honorable mention for Outstanding Junior Graduate Student Poster, Discovery Day 2024.
Alyssa Sanders (mentor: Edward Hartsough, PhD) received an honorable mention for Outstanding Senior Graduate Student Poster, Discovery Day 2024.
Riley Young (mentor: Mauricio Reginato, PhD) received an honorable mention for Outstanding Senior Graduate Student Poster, Discovery Day 2024.
Kalisse Horne (mentor: Eishi Noguchi, PhD) received the first place for Outstanding Junior Graduate Student Poster, Discovery Day 2023.
Congratulations for starting PhD studies!
Ranjit Kaur, MS, will be starting her PhD studies in the Cancer Science Graduate Program at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Ranjit conducted her MS research in the laboratory of Michael Bouchard, PhD, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Roshni Kadam, MS, will be starting her PhD studies in the Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Cancer Program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School-Newark. Roshni conducted her MS research in the laboratory of Srinivas Somarowthu, PhD, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Tisha Kalpesh Desai, MS, will be starting her PhD studies in the Biochemistry, Structural & Molecular Biology Program at Thomas Jefferson University. Tisha conducted her MS research in the laboratory of Srinivas Somarowthu, PhD, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
Welcome New PhD Students with Advanced Standing!
Zach Capriotti has successfully transitioned from the MCBG MS Program to the PhD Program at Drexel University College of Medicine. Zach will perform his PhD research in the laboratory of Dr. Zachary Klase, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology.
Steve Rutledge has successfully transitioned from the MCBG MS Program to the PhD Program at Drexel University College of Medicine. Steve will perform his PhD research in the laboratory of Dr. Joshua Jackson, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology.
Jason DaCunza has successfully transitioned from the MCBG MS Program to the PhD Program at Drexel University College of Medicine. Jason will perform his PhD research in the laboratory of Dr. Seena Ajit, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology.
Honors and Distinctions
Mitchell Isaac Parker, MD, PhD received the 2024 Amedeo Bondi, PhD, Endowed Graduate Award for excellence in research performance during the training experience. This is the highest recognition given to students in Biomedical Graduate Studies programs. Tim conducted his thesis work in the laboratories of Roland Dunbrack, PhD; Erica Golemis, PhD; Joshua Meyer, MD (Fox Chase Cancer Center).
Nima Sarfaraz was honored with the 2024 Excellence in Student Mentoring Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to mentoring students.