Students can choose from more than 80 research advisors.

Student Research

Research constitutes approximately 40% of the program curriculum and represents one of the key competitive advantages of the MBP. Students select the research project and lab that suit their interests and working style during the spring research seminar (MBiotech 501), which offers interactions with faculty advisors in the classroom and one-on-one.

Meet our research faculty

Because of the limited duration of the MBP, we do not offer a research lab rotation; students must commit to a single lab. Due to the somewhat competitive nature of research project selection, we cannot guarantee that everyone will get their top choice. However, in our experience almost everyone gets one of his or her top three choices of research advisors .

The MBP research includes quarterly progress reports in lieu of a formal thesis. The final report is modeled after a research article and rivals theses required by other MS in biotechnology programs. Additionally, students practice communication skills in the Critical Thinking and Scientific Communication course (MBIOTECH 420, fall quarter) and prepare a presentation, which they deliver during the annual Industrial Advisory Board Meeting.

Publishing a research paper is challenging but not uncommon in the MBP. Chances for publishing a paper and the timing of the publication will depend on the maturity of the chosen project and its scope. There are additional opportunities for disseminating research results through presentations at scientific conferences. MBP may provide a $1,000 grant to cover expenses for conference travel if the student presents his or her research.

Explore our research areas

View papers authored by MBP students