Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program

Lab Rotations

Overview

During the first semester, incoming students rotate in three laboratories for a period of four to five weeks per rotation. Rotations must be done in labs of current CMB faculty trainers. Rotations allow students to gain a vast amount of knowledge about research in the CMB Program. This knowledge will allow them to better choose a thesis lab for completion of their PhD degree. Direct Admit students do not participate in laboratory rotations.

Lab Rotations Provide:

  • An introduction to cellular and molecular biology research and techniques
  • Exposure to the actual working environment of a laboratory
  • Hands-on research experience
  • Exposure to the variety of cellular and molecular biology research being conducted on the UW-Madison campus
  • A chance to meet various students and faculty trainers

Selecting Lab Rotations

  • Review each faculty trainer’s lab research (see the Faculty Directory on the CMB website)
  • Attend CMB faculty trainer talks during Advising and Orientation Week, where each faculty trainer will discuss research being conducted in their lab
  • Identify faculty trainers of interest for possible fall lab rotations or future Thesis Committee members
  • Develop a set of questions to ask each faculty trainer (see Advice on Selecting Rotations on the CMB Forms page)
  • Arrange a time to meet with each faculty trainer of interest to discuss questions and obtain more information about their lab
  • Students are advised to meet with at least six faculty trainers before deciding on three lab rotations
  • Complete the Lab Rotation Selections form sent to you by the CMB Office

Lab Rotations: Fall 2022 Schedule

  • Lab Rotation 1: Sept. 11 – Oct. 6
  • Lab Rotation 2: Oct. 9 – Nov. 3
  • Lab Rotation 3: Nov. 6 – Dec. 1

Selecting a Final Thesis Lab

  • Upon completion of three lab rotations, the student will identify their final thesis lab choice
  • Thesis lab choices may be finalized any time between December 2 and December 8, 2023
  • Complete the Choice of Thesis Lab form, available on the CMB Forms section of the CMB website, and return it to the CMB Office by Friday, December 8, 2023
  • After the thesis lab is chosen, the student will begin working in their new lab by Monday, December 11, 2023

Lab Rotation Concerns

  • If the student experiences lab rotation difficulties or is unable to determine an appropriate thesis lab at the end of their third rotation, the student should contact:
    • Orientation Advisor
    • Advising and Orientation Chair
    • CMB Office