Doctor of Philosophy

Prior to being formally admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree, the student must demonstrate knowledge of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine fundamentals and a potential for research by passing a qualifying oral examination in their second year. 

The exam consists of an NIH-style written grant proposal and an oral examination. The Qualifying Exam Committee includes three faculty members but does not include the student’s thesis advisor. The examining committee includes the committee chair, who is an Academic Council member outside of ISCBRM and outside of the research mentor's department, and 2 ISCBRM faculty members (not including the research mentor) who are Academic Council members.

The written and oral proposal should represent the student’s efforts to identify a question of interest and to develop appropriate experimental approaches. The proposal must be submitted to committee members no later than ten days before the examination. The first page is a Specific Aims page, and other sections include Background-Significance and Research Plan (including a discussion of alternative approaches). The qualifying exam must be completed by the end of Autumn quarter of the second year and successful outcome is required to continue in the PhD program. If necessary, one retake will be permitted in the quarter following the first exam attempt.

A University Oral Examination is also required for the PhD degree. In the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Program, the PhD candidate presents a public seminar (one hour), followed by a closed-door oral examination. The University Oral Examination Committee consists of at least four examiners, including the student’s PI and a chair from an academic department outside of SCBRM, for a total of five people. All members of the Committee are usually members of the Academic Council, and the oral examination chair must be AC. With the prior approval of the ISCBRM Director, one of the examiners may be a person who is not a member of the Academic Council if that individual contributes expertise not readily available from the Stanford faculty. Official responsibility for selecting the oral examination committee rests with the student and their dissertation advisor.

The major accomplishment of each successful PhD student is the presentation of a written dissertation resulting from an independent investigation that contributes to knowledge in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine.

Annual Dissertation Committee Meetings

In year one, a dissertation committee meeting is not required. 

In year two, the qualifying exam is in place of the dissertation committee meeting.

In years three and four, each student must hold an annual dissertation committee meeting to assess progress toward the degree and for the committee to provide advice. 

In the fifth year and beyond, students are required to meet with their thesis committee twice a year.

Failure to meet with your dissertation committee within the required time frame will result in academic probation.

The Annual Dissertation Committee Meeting Form should be completed and signed by all committee members attending each meeting. The form should be returned to the SCBRM SSO.