Name

Eric Scott

School

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Degree Program

Fourth year PhD student in Microbiology and Immunology

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Biology from University of North Carolina, Pembroke, 2005

Dissertation Topic

How autoreactive B cells contribute to poor disease outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Advisor

Steve Clarke

Advisor’s Research Focus

Autoimmunity

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill for my PhD in microbiology and immunology for 2 reasons. First, I was attracted to the graduation rate. The graduation rate is high here at Chapel Hill, and the students in this program normally complete the program within 5 or 6 years. The second thing that attracted me to this program was the faculty. When I researched graduate programs, I paid close attention to the professors who could potentially end up serving as my advisor. I made sure that I was aware of their funding opportunities and their contributions to the field.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

In order to prepare myself for graduate school, I made sure that I had a solid science foundation in my undergraduate program. During my undergraduate study, I took courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and a variety of other subjects. I wanted to gain a comprehensive background in the sciences because I was aware that the first 2 years of graduate school in science programs are designed to weed people out, and I knew I would not make the cut without extensive knowledge.

In addition to studying a broad range of topics, I also gained research experience. I did an internship at the National Institute of Health where I conducted research and also took classes in immunology and chemistry to support my undergraduate science core.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, when I applied to my PhD program in microbiology and immunology, I had to submit GRE scores. There was no minimum score to get into University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, but I wanted my score to be as high as possible. To prepare for the test, I purchased GRE study books and used those.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I wrote about my background, including my life experience and my family. I described my reasons for wanting to attend graduate school, and my interest in this program at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in particular. I explained why I wanted a career in biomedical research and also highlighted my post-graduation goals.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For letters of recommendation, I chose 3 professors who knew me personally but who would also be truthful with the admissions committee about the quality of my work in the classroom and in the lab.

What types of questions were asked in your admissions interview?

In my admissions interviews, I was asked questions about my past research and my future research interests. I was asked why I found immunology research interesting, and also what my future goals were.

For other students preparing for admissions interviews, I recommend getting comfortable with talking about research and science. I think a big part of the interview process is determining if applicants can talk about their research and if they are comfortable with science vocabulary.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in microbiology and immunology?

If you are considering applying to graduate school in microbiology and immunology, I have 3 pieces of advice.

First, make absolutely sure that scientific research in this field is actually what you want to do. Studying for a PhD in microbiology and immunology is intense and time-consuming, and the end reward is not huge. So you should make sure that you are prepared for the lifestyle of a researcher and also that you truly want a career in this field.

Second, make sure that you are able to choose an advisor you will be comfortable working with. Your advisor will be your mentor for 5 to 6 years, and it should be a person who you are at ease with, who you feel comfortable talking to about problems.

Finally, you should get as much research experience as you possibly can. Try and conduct research during your last year as an undergraduate. After graduation, consider working in a research-intensive environment. Having research experience will help you prepare for graduate school and will also make you a stronger applicant.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My program typically takes 5 to 6 years to complete. When I first entered the program, I completed a 1-year general course of study in the biomedical science department. That allowed me to choose from 1 of 8 specializations within the program. Once I chose the microbiology and immunology track, I spent another year taking core classes. Then, during my second year, I took a preliminary exam that included both a written and oral portion. After the second year, I began working strictly on my dissertation.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

For my dissertation, I am researching systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is a n autoimmune disease that is characterized by the production of autoantibodies by autoreactive B cells. Autoimmunity is when the innate and adaptive immune system literally mounts an immune response against self-antigens, resulting in the destruction of healthy tissues. This causes organ and tissue damage that increases a person’s risk of mortality.

In my research, I am looking at a population of potential autoreactive B cells in SLE to determine whether they are responsible for increase mortality in SLE patients. I am researching how this population of B cells is contributing to the disease, and I am also trying to develop mechanisms to test whether these cells are present in the kidneys of these patients. My goal is to identify this population of B cells as autoreactive and how they may be contributing to SLE. Findings from my research may lead to the development of improved therapeutic options that will have fewer side effects.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

I chose my dissertation topic during my third year. At this point in the process, I spend my time in the lab conducting research. I have not begun any writing yet. I hope to start writing sometime next year, and I anticipate that it will take me 2 to 3 months to finish composing it.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

An advisor can make or break a student’s success in graduate school. My advisor plays a very big role in my education. He is an expert in his field and helps me to understand my research. He is my biggest cheerleader because I am a representation of him. He wants me to succeed and is there for me when I need help. I am at the stage in my program where my advisor is weaning me from my dependence on him and helping me to become an expert in my field. I am starting to ask fewer questions and beginning to think more independently.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

No, there are no comprehensive exams in my PhD program in microbiology and immunology at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. However, students are required to take a preliminary exam before moving from coursework into the dissertation phase. During the preliminary exam, students must come up with a research question and write a research proposal for funding through the National Institute of Health. Then, students are required to defend the proposal orally. Only then can dissertation work begin. The process is quite intense.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

In the 2011-2012 school year, tuition for University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill was $4,300.

How are you funding your education?

In my PhD program, everyone is guaranteed full tuition funding. I also receive a living stipend, and I am required to be a teacher’s assistant for 2 semesters in exchange. The assistantship is convenient because it is already arranged through the department, and I did not need to apply for anything.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in microbiology and immunology?

Earning a PhD in microbiology and immunology is incredibly time-consuming. I usually spend 10 hours in the lab each day. I also spend Saturdays reading journals. In all, I would say I spend 50 to 60 hours conducting laboratory research each week. I have very little time for anything outside of the lab.

How has graduate school affected your family life?

Graduate school has affected my family life, but I try to manage my time effectively so that I can still see my family. I have 4 children, and during my first 2 years in the program, I was not able to see them much because of the intensity of the coursework. Luckily, my wife was able to take care of our kids and allow me the time I needed for my studies. Now that I conduct research full time, I am still incredibly busy, but I have more flexibility in my schedule. Through effective time management, I am able to coach little league and attend school events.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be teaching at a small university in a tenure-track position. I would love to teach my love of science to undergraduates. If I can’t enter academia, my back-up plan is to work in the field at a consulting firm, conducting clinical trials or therapeutic trials to treat different diseases.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in microbiology and immunology?

If you are considering pursuing a PhD in microbiology and immunology, I would advise you to research the program beforehand. Make sure you understand the department and the program’s requirements, as well as the funding that will be available to you. And above all else, research the faculty. You should know about the advisors in any potential program because they will be key players in your success.

In addition, I also recommend that you surround yourself with supportive people before you begin a PhD program. It is extremely difficult to do this by yourself. You will need people to support you and push you when you start asking why you are doing this. Make sure that you have that supporting cast to rely on.