Students work closely with their faculty advisors, but their independence is encouraged, as are interactions and collaborations between other research groups at the Laboratory. Students admitted to a Laboratory-affiliated graduate program initially take up residence at the main campus in Gainesville where, for one or two years, they complete their course requirements and qualify for dissertation research. During this period, students maintain contact with the Laboratory and their major professors through a program of periodic meetings, progress reports, seminars, and summer research. After qualifying, students move to the Laboratory, where the research is carried out. Prospective graduate students should write a letter to the Graduate Coordinator at the Lab, indicating specific areas of interest, reasons for pursuing graduate education at the Whitney Laboratory, and need for financial assistance.
Graduate students are eligible for fellowships, assistantships, and other awards.
The Whitney Laboratory offers training in marine biomedical research and biotechnology to students interested in exploring a career in science. In cooperation with a faculty supervisor, students choose a project which fits with ongoing investigations and can be completed within a ten to twelve week training period. For more information, go to the Whitney Lab REU page . The Pre-collegiate Program is an extension of the Whitney Lab's science education effort and is part of a nationwide endeavor to increase the number of minority students choosing careers in science. Each student is awarded a small scholarship by the University of Florida.