
Biology

Students in the Ph.D. Program in Biology at the CUNY Graduate Center gain fundamental knowledge of current life sciences and mastery of investigative approaches in one of four specialized areas of study.
Request InformationDegree Offered
Ph.D. in Biology
Full-time
4 subprograms
Admissions Deadlines
December 1 - Neuroscience subprogram
January 1 - all other subprograms
Fall enrollment only
The Biology program provides its students with interdisciplinary research and training opportunities in the world-class laboratories of doctoral faculty located at CUNY campuses and affiliated institutions throughout New York City.
The program prepares doctoral candidates to become research professionals equipped to teach in university programs and for leadership positions in biotechnology and research.
Biology Announcements
More Like ThisCongratulations to Recent Biology Fellowship Winners
The Ph.D. program in Biology congratulates our students who have been awarded dissertation fellowships for the 2023-24 academic year:
Dissertation Year Fellowship
Johanna Bensalel
Ellen Bennett Katz Award
Katherine Anderson
Sara Fresard
Amie James Travel Award
Carolina Henriques
Claudia Jou
Jasmine Pathan
Katerina Yamamoto
Early Research Initiative
Leen Aljayousi
Anna Flury
Zubaida Marufeen Islam
Praveena Naidu
Swastik Pattanashetty Gangadharappa
Malini Prasad
DSRG
Katherine Anderson
Leonard Ash
Yamaly Barragan
Emily Birnbaum
Gavin Duckett
Connor French
Emily LaMarre
Li Li
Rilquer Mascarenhas Da Silva
Samantha Monier
Praveena Naidu
Raveena Parbhudayal
Jacquelyn Tomaio
Rhema Uche Dike
Ella Vardeman
Apoorva Vashisht
Aria Walls
Katerina Yamamoto
- Congratulations/Kudos
Congratulations to the Biology Graduating Class of 2022-2023
The Biology program awarded a total of 16 doctoral degrees across our four subprograms in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Congratulations to Nora Awadallah, Sam Chew Chin, Manal F. Farhat, Gabrielle A. Germain, Melenia I. Giakoumi, Niklas Janisch, Sara Rose Ogrinc Krivoshik, Naoko P. Kurata, Nicole Danielle Lamassa, Keith Joseph Levendosky, Zelda Zara Mendelowitz, Viktoriya Morozova, Albert Ptashnik, Emma J. Purvin, Emily Anne Sible, Nicole B. Williams, and Dustin R. Zuelke on completing their Ph.D.s!
- Congratulations/Kudos
Biology Spotlights
Our Sciences Spotlight series profiles students, faculty, and alumni associated with GC Sciences programs. Learn about our community:

The Best of CUNY and NYC
Doctoral biology students have access to exceptional faculty and research facilities at CUNY campuses, including the Advanced Science Research Center at The Graduate Center, Baruch College, Brooklyn College, The City College of New York, College of Staten Island, Hunter College, Lehman College, New York City College of Technology, Queens College, CUNY School of Medicine., and York College. Students also have mentorship and research opportunities at affiliated distinguished NY institutions including the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Botanical Gardens.
Explore resources for students
Physics and Mathematics Meet Biology
Students and faculty conduct specialized research with institutions and initiatives within and outside of The Graduate Center. A collaboration with the Initiative in Theoretical Sciences (ITS) involves faculty who study the phenomena of life using methods grounded in the traditions of theoretical physics and applied mathematics. This initiative will significantly expand research and educational opportunities for Biology Ph.D. students (as well as students from disciplines such as Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science) interested in theory and other aspects of quantitative biology.
Learn more about the Initiative in Theoretical Sciences
Diversity Enhances our program and is a priority
We are proud to be part of the nation’s largest urban university, known for propelling diverse students into rewarding and meaningful careers. The Biology program benefits from attracting students of all backgrounds who hail from throughout New York City and around the world. We are devoted to creating an environment in which diverse students are supported in their work and empowered to excel as scientists and educators.
Student Resources
Biology students should visit our Student Resources page for our handbook and other resources. Additionally, students can report issues here:
Research Activities and Community Highlights
Latest News
Sep 27, 2023
Scientists Map the Genetic Diversity of the World’s Insects
Macrogenetic study predicts insect genetic diversity is most dense in subtropical regions.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Research News
Sep 11, 2023
Scientists Find Evidence of Sea Star Species Hybridization
Graduate Center biologists use whole-genome data to study two types of sea stars and find they are mating along the North Atlantic coast.
- GC Stories
- Press Release
- Student News
- Research News
Aug 18, 2023
How to Succeed in Grad School – From People Who Have Been Here
Our alumni and faculty share their best advice for success in graduate school.
- GC Stories
- Student News
- Alumni News
- Faculty News
Jul 5, 2023
Big Data for Biodiversity: A Conversation with Biologist Jamie Kass
The Biology alumnus uses data to predict patterns of biodiversity and recently began a tenure-track position at Tohoku University in Japan.
- GC Stories
- Alumni News
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