Grad Program
Overview Of Our Graduate Program
Curious about...
- How tumors are able to grow by attracting new blood vessels?
- How blood vessels are damaged by aging, stress, and our diets?
- How damaged capillaries in the retina of diabetic patients cause blindness?
- How blood vessels form in a growing embryo?
- How cells in our blood vessels communicate with each other?
These are just a few of the questions that you could explore while doing research in The Vascular Biology Center at Augusta University.
The Vascular Biology Center’s Graduate Program at Augusta University is unique among institutions in the United States in that our program is the only one to have a formal center dedicated to vascular biology research. Our research is focused on obtaining a detailed understanding of the function of blood vessels at the molecular, cellular, whole organ, and whole organism levels to better diagnose, treat, and prevent vascular diseases.
Training is not restricted to one discipline, but encompasses the broad fundamentals of vascular biology together with several associated fields. Advanced coursework (beyond the core curriculum) includes:
- Courses that emphasize cutting-edge development in the field of Cardiovascular Research.
- Programs such as a Student Observership of a cardiovascular physician's clinical practice.
You are also eligible for support by the:
- NIH Predoctoral Training Grant in Integrative Cardiovascular Biology administered through the VBC.
- American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship.
Student Spotlight
The Graduate School (TGS) sat down with Vascular Biology PhD candidate, Hunter Sellers, whose journey through vascular biology, intellectual property law, and scientific communication reflects both his curiosity and determination.
In this Q&A, he shares how his undergraduate experience in TGS' undergraduate Student
Training And Research (STAR) program influenced his decision to study at AU, what
drives his work on obesity and cardiometabolic disease, and how his recent success
on the patent bar exam is shaping a unique career path at the intersection of science
and law.
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My reasons for coming to Augusta University were numerous, however my main draw was the experience I had during the STAR program back in 2018. I spent the summer in the laboratory of Dr. Neal Weintraub, and I thoroughly enjoyed the environment. The VBC was dynamic and friendly, and the faculty were adamant that the focus would be on student success if I were to return for my graduate studies. Upon applying to graduate schools, the other schools I interviewed with didn’t quite match the vigorous commitment to individual investment and excellent training.
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My major advisor, Dr. David Fulton, recently used a metaphor that I think is pertinent to this question: The contribution of basic research to improving human health is a big wheel that we all push forward. My work on obesity and cardiometabolic disease is no different. I hope that the field of obesity will find utility in the models I’ve created and use them to push the wheel even further towards a world with less burden of chronic disease. -
Thank you so much! The exam is notoriously difficult and the preparation for it is no joke, but a few months of diligent studying makes the exam a manageable hurdle. Appropriate technical expertise is vitally important in providing competent representation to clients before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The world-class molecular biology and biomedical training I have received through Dr. Fulton’s mentorship will be instrumental in my ability to take client’s inventions and turn them into robust intellectual property. -
The highlights of my graduate school experience have been centered around the numerous opportunities to communicate my research with others. Whether that be through training new students in lab, choosing the right turn of phrase during a presentation, or writing a persuasive argument in a manuscript, that moment when understanding clicks for the audience brings a huge sense of satisfaction. -
I strive to be a person with few strong opinions; however, one opinion I do hold firmly is that education should be a deeply uncomfortable endeavor. Education should broaden world views and stretch capabilities in ways that can be quite unsettling. My advice would be to take on challenges that seem extremely daunting and to view that feeling of intimidation as a mark of a worthy pursuit.
Student Testimonials
"The Vascular Biology Center feels like the proximal zone of development - an environment where I’m continually challenged just beyond my comfort zone, yet surrounded by mentors who offer the support and guidance needed to grow. I’m grateful to be part of such a dynamic and purpose-driven program that is actively shaping my future as a scientist."
- Douglas Sloan
"The Vascular Biology Center is fantastic with hosting events and celebrations to bring students and faculty closer to each other. Given that I started much younger than most students, I was initially intimidated by many of my peers; however, this quickly changed with the incredibly welcoming and supportive environment the faculty work hard to foster."