Fellowships are awarded to aid in the pursuit of your educational goals. They are not teaching or research assistantships and, therefore, there is not a specific hourly work component involved. On the other hand, as part of their training, doctoral students are expected to participate in the teaching responsibilities of their program. This may entail assisting in medical student laboratories, operating the slide projector during seminars, and similar activities. In general, little time is required for these tasks and they help in preparing students for future academic careers should they desire to pursue that career path.
Admission is competitive and dependent upon the availability of openings in each department.
Candidates for admission are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement, personal interviews, recommendations from former professors, and other data documenting academic performance and experience. Honors, awards, and professional experience in a major field of specialization also are taken into consideration. An applicant's cumulative academic performance should present convincing evidence of scholarly competence, especially in science and mathematics. A record of at least B level work in the natural sciences is required. Applicants should display evidence of seriousness of purpose, strong motivation to achieve a successful career in science, and high standards of personal conduct.