Graduate Student Program
MS or PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Medical Sciences
The Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences participates in the graduate program of the School of Veterinary Medicine leading to Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Biomedical and Veterinary Medical Sciences with a concentration in Comparative Biomedical Sciences. This program is designed to provide advanced educational opportunities for students in a broad range of biomedical sciences. Major research concentrations in the Department include cancer biology, cardiovascular disease, developmental biology, neurosciences, and toxicology.
The goal of our graduate program is to provide individualized training for the next generation of scientists and educators who will be leaders in biomedical and veterinary research and education. Our graduate curriculum provides students with the skills necessary for an intellectually challenging and rewarding career in an academic, industry, or government setting.
Our graduate program consists of lecture courses, seminar presentations, and independent research. Our program emphasizes the acquisition of a solid background in scientific literature and a skilled capability in experimental approaches. In addition, we promote the development of excellent written and oral communication skills.
Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from a college or university approved by a regional accrediting agency
- A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale using the U.S. system scale
- Demonstrated English proficiency is necessary. You may be exempt from this requirement if you have completed a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or have a college-level degree showing completion of post-secondary education in a country where English is the primary official language.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 79 (internet-based) OR
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): minimum score of 6.5
- Send all required test scores to LSU using institutional code 6373
Formal internet-based applications to our graduate program are made through the LSU Graduate School.
Applications are accepted at any time, but we cannot formally evaluate students for admission or financial assistance until completed application materials have been received, including official transcripts and three letters of recommendation. Application should be initiated at least six months before anticipated entry.
Training Opportunities
Graduate training in this department allows graduate students to specialize in one or more disciplines. These disciplines include cell and molecular biology; cancer cell biology; toxicology, including inhalation toxicology; environmental health science and ecological chemistry; physiology; anatomy; and pharmacology. Faculty research interests and expertise include mechanisms of metastasis in cancer; gene therapy (including electroporation) in cancer; cell and molecular biology of tooth eruption; pharmacology and toxicology of aquatic species; environmental and ecological toxicology; cellular ultrastructure; environmental risk assessment; analytical pharmacology and toxicology; diagnostic neurophysiology; pharmacology of pain and inflammation; exercise physiology; xenobiotic metabolism and disposition; neurochemistry; pulmonary pharmacology; cardiovascular disease; and cetacean morphology.
MS
A limited number of partial supports are available through the department. To be considered for this support mechanism, applications must be submitted by February 28. Generally, master candidates will be responsible for their tuition and living expenses. Check the graduate school tuition page for details. Prospective MS students should contact faculty to determine available research opportunities or support.
PhD
Some departmental scholarship slots are available and vary per cycle. The application must be submitted by February 28 to be considered for the open slots. Being admitted directly into the department requires three lab rotations. Upon admission, candidates must contact faculty advisors to set up rotations in potential areas of their research interest. After the last rotation, the candidate must commit to one of the three laboratories.
Graduate Certificate
Contact Dr. Dubansky for details about the certificate program. No financial support is available. Check the graduate school tuition page for details.
Faculty Mentor Research Areas
Herman Bragulla, DVM, Ph.D.
Development of skin and skin appendages in normal and diseased states
(not accepting students this cycle)
Michelle Osborn, Ph.D.
Functional and evolutionary anatomy, biomechanics, 3D imaging, and modeling
Brooke Dubansky, PhD, HTL(ASCP)H, PGCertVetEd
Natural and pathologic ectopic bone development
Michelle Osborn, Ph.D.
Functional and evolutionary anatomy, biomechanics, 3D imaging, and modeling
Xiaochu Wu, Ph.D.
Advanced microscopic techniques
Kenneth Matthews, Ph.D.
Nuclear medicine and in vivo imaging methods
Joseph Francis, DVM, Ph.D.
Cancer resarch, organoids, and 3D bioprinting
Tomislav Jelesijevic, DVM, Ph.D.
Oncology, virology, and development of image analysis algorithms
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. JELESIJEVIC
Shisheng Li, Ph.D.
DNA repair and mutagenesis
Masami Yoshimura, D.Sc.
Molecular and cellular biological aspects of cyclic AMP signal transduction regulation and their role in innate immune responses
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. YOSHIMURA
Shisheng Li, Ph.D.
DNA repair and mutagenesis
Shaomian Yao, Ph.D.
Cell and molecular biology of tissue-derived stem cells and applications of stem cells in tissue regeneration
Alexander Murashov, MD, Ph.D.
Molecular mechanisms of transgenerational phenotypes
Alexandra Noel, Ph.D.
Inhalation and developmental toxicology, electronic cigarette & JUUL vapor, nanoparticles, chronic lung diseases
Joseph Francis, DVM, Ph.D.
Cancer resarch, organoids, and 3D bioprinting
Tammy Dugas, Ph.D.
Toxicological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease progression
Arthur Penn, Ph.D.
Inhalation toxicology, cardio/pulmonary responses to air pollutants, gestational exposures, and adult disease
(not accepting students this cycle)
Ahmed Abdelmoneim, DVM, Ph.D.
Developmental and environmental toxicology
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. ABDELMONEIM
Ethan Anderson, Ph.D.
Neuroscience of addiction and stress
Charles Lee, Ph.D.
Neurobiological mechanisms underlying auditory processing and plasticity
Alexander Murashov, MD, Ph.D.
Molecular mechanisms of transgenerational phenotypes
Olalekan Ogundele, MS, Ph.D.
Neural circuits of learning and memory
Ahmed Abdelmoneim, DVM, Ph.D.
Developmental and environmental toxicology
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. ABDELMONEIM
Levent Dirikolu, DVM, Ph.D.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, molecular, clinical, and analytical pharmacology/toxicology, and drug metabolism
Alexandra Noel, Ph.D.
Inhalation and developmental toxicology, electronic cigarette & JUUL vapor, nanoparticles, chronic lung diseases
Tammy Dugas, Ph.D.
Toxicological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease progression
Arthur Penn, Ph.D.
Inhalation toxicology, cardio/pulmonary responses to air pollutants, gestational exposures, and adult disease
(not accepting students this cycle)
Deadlines
For school or departmental scholarships, the application deadline is no later than February 28. To be considered for direct recruitment for the Fall, submit applications and all required documents by May 30.
International Students
The international student application deadline is February 28 for scholarship consideration and March 30 for faculty directed hire.
Contacts
For any questions about a graduate career or our programs, please contact us.
| Faculty Member | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Murashov, MD, Ph.D. | Professor and CBS Department Head | amurashov@lsu.edu |
| Olalekan M. Ogundele, MS, Ph.D. | Associate Professor and Graduate Advisor | ogundele@lsu.edu |
| Alexandra Noel, Ph.D. | Associate Professor and Graduate Recruiter | anoel@lsu.edu |
| Ahmed Abdelmoneim, DVM, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor and Graduate Recruiter | aahmed10@lsu.edu |
| Brooke Dubansky, Ph.D., HTL(ASCP)H, PGCertVetEd | Associate Professor and Certificate PRogram Coordinator | bdubansky@lsu.edu |