About the Program

This training program across the chemical/biological interface focuses on the synthesis, dynamics and structure of biologically relevant molecules and macromolecules. The program lends formal structure to an interdisciplinary graduate study program in chemical biology, with participation of students and mentors from the Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Medicinal Chemistry in the School of Pharmacy. The chemical scientists trained in this program emerge with a working knowledge of the concepts and methods of modern cell and molecular biology, while the biological scientists acquire a foundation in advanced chemical ideas and techniques. In both cases, the doctoral graduates are ready for biomedical research involving functional studies of biomacromolecules. Whether they enter academic, industrial or government institutions, they are therefore equipped to work at the interface where the chemical and biological cultures meet most dramatically and require efficient and knowledgeable collaboration.

The Chemical Biology training program at Kansas takes advantage of a combination of rigor and flexibility that characterizes the doctoral curricula of the three participating departments.

• Trainees complete all doctoral requirements in their home departments, thus assuring a solid basis of scientific information and skills and a recognized degree in an established field of science.


• Trainees complete a course sequence designed to provide a working knowledge across the chemical biology interface. All students will take an advanced course on molecular modeling (BIOL 952) or bioinformatics (BIOL 701).


• All trainees participate in a one-semester, one credit course, Issues in Scientific Integrity, in which practical ethical problems of working scientists are addressed by faculty members.


• Trainees complete a doctoral project in an area involving synthesis, biophysical structural analysis, and/or enzyme mechanisms and biomolecular dynamics, directed by one of the approved program mentors.


• Trainees carry out two research-rotation projects, usually guided by training program mentors, but possibly involving research outside the University of Kansas, either at another academic institution or with an industrial collaborator.


• Trainees organize a seminar program in which they invite speakers each academic year to visit Kansas, present a seminar, and discuss with the trainees matters of common interest.


• Lunches are held regularly with the trainees and the Director and Co-Director where research progress and other issues associated with the training program are discussed. At some lunches a short powerpoint presentation is given by one or more of the students. Visiting speakers are also selected at these lunches, as is the speaker for the annual training grant symposium (see below).


• Trainees organize an annual training grant symposium in which all trainees present oral or poster reports. An invited internationally recognized speaker also presents a keynote lecture and is hosted by the students.

The above features provide all trainees with skills and information valuable for their future careers, and beyond the knowledge and capabilities normally developed in doctoral study. They obtain a working currency in both advanced chemistry and advanced biochemistry/biology and laboratory experience outside of the laboratory of their research mentor. They gain considerable experience in presenting and explaining their research to others not in their own specific disciplines, as well as experience in understanding and discussing the work of colleagues in different areas. They also acquire a solid grasp of the ethical problems they may encounter in their future careers. In their organization of seminars and symposia, the trainees develop a mature appreciation of how to work with others in scientific interchange and communication. We believe our trainees emerge into the scientific world with an unusual foundation of capabilities directed toward high effectiveness at the chemistry-biology interface.