RNA Therapeutics and Biology Program
The RNA Therapeutics and Biology (RTB) PhD program prepares the next generation of scientists to lead advances in RNA-based research and therapeutics. With the rapid evolution of RNA medicines, this interdisciplinary training program equips students with expertise in RNA biology, drug design, and translational science. The RBT fosters a highly collaborative and forward-looking environment, emphasizing synergy and team science. The RBT mentoring philosophy is designed to foster excellence in scientific research while catalyzing mutual transformation in both mentors and trainees, fostering productive relationships amongst trainees, their cohorts, and faculty. The RBT aims to prepare graduate students for excellence in any scientific career path they choose.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALIZATION
All Basic Biomedical Science students must complete the core curriculum as well as electives required by their program. Students in the RNA Therapeutics and Biology program must take 3 graded elective courses of 2-4 credits each, two of which must be part of the RTB program course curriculum: RNA Biology I and II. The third elective is typically taken in Year 2; however, the student should enroll in a course (regardless of when it is offered) that is most relevant to their graduate research. The plan of coursework is designed to be flexible to accommodate each student’s needs and areas of interest.
In addition to the GSBS core curriculum and two-semester RNA Biology course, RBT students will participate in the RTI’s departmental works-in-progress seminar series (monthly chalk talks), external seminar series, external RNA collaborative seminar series, the annual RNATx symposium, and the IGP seminar series to encourage exposure to additional peers involved in interdisciplinary research. Additionally, RTB students will participate in scientific writing and other relevant topical workshops, participate in scientific outreach and engagement with the community either with our own outreach program, ScienceLIVE or another scientific outreach opportunity of their choosing.
OUR LEADERSHIP & FACULY
FACULTY
Our faculty include a Nobel Laureate, a Pew Scholar, Awardee of the Else Kröner Fresenius Prize for Medical Research, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigators, RNA Society early, mid-career, and mentor award recipients, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and fellows of the National Academy of Inventors. The RTB faculty are invested in mentoring the next generation of scientists and play a significant role in supporting and advising each student towards their career aspirations.
Research areas of our faculty include:
- RNA Biology and Therapeutics
- Molecular Biology
- Biophysics
- Chemical Biology
- Structural Biology
- Computational Biology
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Program Co-Director
David Grunwald, PhD
Associate Professor
email Dr. Grunwald
Program Co-Director
Angela Messmer-Blust, PhD
Associate Professor
email Dr. Messmer-Blust
OUR STUDENTS
The RNA Therapeutics and Biology (RTB) PhD program is an integral part of the RNA Therapeutics Institute. Our graduate students are the lifeblood of our world-class research teams and are central to RTI’s culture. Their curiosity, dedication, and innovative spirit drive groundbreaking discoveries and push the boundaries of our knowledge. Many of our students are funded by NIH and NSF pre-doctoral fellowships and several have been awarded the prestigious Harold Weintraub Award, as well as many other awards: Outstanding Thesis Research, Outstanding Student Mentor, Zelda Haidak, Riccio, and Chancellor’s Awards. RTI alumni are recognized in the scientific community as thoughtful, ethical, and inventive problem-solvers as well as serve in a variety of distinguished positions in academia, leaders in biotech, pharma, and the U.S. government.