Predoctoral Programs
Staff investigators supervise graduate students affiliated with either the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, or University of North Texas. Most of the Faculty are members of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Houston. Drs. Fischer and DiGiovanni hold joint appointments in the Department of Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. DiGiovanni is also a member of the Graduate Faculty of Texas A&M University. Many other Science Park - Research Division faculty members hold adjunct appointments in various Departments of The University of Texas. Approximately 35 students are currently pursuing their graduate research at Science Park - Research Division.
Graduate level education at Science Park - Research Division is presented as the Program in Molecular Carcinogenesis of The University of Texas Houston Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. This program emphasizes research and course work in cellular and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, loosely categorized into four inter-related areas: cellular and molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis; DNA damage, repair and mutagenesis; molecular and biochemical genetics; and prevention of cancer induction.
Formal courses offered annually at Science Park - Research Division include Basic Concepts in Tumor Biology, Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Biomedical Statistics, Introduction to Histology, Introduction to Pathology, and The Ethical Dimensions of the Biological and Health Sciences. A seminar series, including lectures by both staff investigators and invited scientists, offers an opportunity for trainees to remain abreast of current advances in cancer research and biomedical science. A series of informal graduate student and post-doctoral seminars focus on topics of current interest. Recent topics included mechanisms of apoptosis, hormonal carcinogenesis, the cell cycle and cancer, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction.