Name

Sureka Gattu

School

Indiana University

Degree Program

First year Master of Science student in Biotechnology, 2010

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Indiana University

Research Interests

Infectious diseases; bacterial pathogenesis; virulence; microbiology; immunology

Advisor

Karen Bush

Advisor’s Research Focus

Antibiotic resistance; characterization of bacterial pathogens

Hobbies

Drawing, painting, listening to podcasts

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose Indiana University for my masters degree in biotechnology mainly because I earned my undergraduate degree here and I wanted to remain local.

The process of choosing a specific program was more involved. I began my undergraduate studies as a pre-med student, but in my senior year I decided that I would prefer a career in research. At that point, I was not sure whether or not I could commit to a PhD program, so I decided on an accelerated masters degree, which only takes a year to complete. In an accelerated program, I can see if the research path would suit me without spending several years in school. I can also gain exposure to graduate school to determine if I would want to eventually pursue a PhD.

I decided on the biotechnology program, rather than a program in another field of science, because after some research I found that there is demand in the field of biotechnology even for graduates who do not have a PhD. This appealed to me because I was not sure if I would later pursue a doctorate.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

To prepare for graduate school, I did 3 things.

First, I took a lot of basic science courses during my undergraduate career in subjects like molecular biology, cell biology and microbiology. I also gained research experience working in a neuroscience lab. Having a comprehensive understanding of the field of biology prepared me for graduate study in the science field.

Second, I became involved with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. For 2 summers, I attended lectures and participated in modules while also assisting in one of the workshops. In addition to enhancing my application, the experience inspired me to realize that science is not a static body of knowledge. My involvement with the laboratory also helped get me excited about graduate study.

Third, I called the program director a few times to ask questions when I was applying to graduate school. The program director was a valuable resource for answering my questions, but I also believe that calling to ask questions helped my application stand out. I think it demonstrated to the admissions committee that I was interested in the program. Speaking with the director also ensured that the admissions committee was familiar with me and my name.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, I was required to submit GRE scores as part of my application. To prepare, I checked the Educational Testing Services website, which has a large selection of materials for GRE preparation and practice.

To prepare for the math portion, I first answered all of the practice problems, then used the answer key to pinpoint my specific errors in any wrong answers. In order to help myself identify and strengthen my weak areas, I took the practice test again a week later and made very detailed notes about any areas that were still giving me trouble.

To prepare for the writing portion, I first read through all of the sample essays to try and determine the rubric for essays. I found that less is more. I think students often feel like they need to fill a piece up with fluff, but a strong writer will strike a balance between writing efficiently and writing thoroughly.

I chose not to prepare for the verbal portion. I read a lot, and I felt confident in my knowledge. I crammed the night before and still managed a high score, but other students may need to spend more time preparing in this area. The Educational Testing Services website provides lists and problem sets to memorize for the verbal portion of the GRE.

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

In science programs, like my masters degree program in biotechnology, it is common to submit a writing sample instead of a personal statement. It is important to demonstrate both scientific knowledge as well as the ability to communicate that knowledge in writing. However, science majors will often have lab reports as their only sample of writing. I was fortunate because my undergraduate degree was an interdisciplinary major and I had a greater assortment of writing samples to select from. I think it enhanced my application to be able to submit a variety of work to showcase my writing ability in addition to my grasp of scientific concepts.

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

If you are considering applying for a masters program in biotechnology, I would recommend that you think about your career options and the path you plan to take. Before I entered the program, I had not realized that biotechnology masters programs are typically geared toward preparing students for a career in the industry rather than academia. The program includes experiences and information that are not immediately relevant to me but would be very applicable to anyone entering the industry after graduation.

In order to choose the best program for you, I would advise you to contemplate your ultimate career goals and ensure that your program will support them.

Graduate School – The Program

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

My masters degree program in biotechnology is accelerated and takes only 1 year to complete. The curriculum is very research-oriented. There are lecture seminars, courses that involve theory and application, and also several credits of lab research during each term. Because my masters degree program in biotechnology is an accelerated program, there is no option to teach, as there may be with other masters degree programs in science.

What is the focus of your masters degree research?

My current research focuses on antibiotic resistance. More specifically, I research resistance to beta-lactams, which are common antibiotics used against certain bacterial infections.

I conduct research using clinical bacterial DNA isolates from local hospitals, which I then analyze in a procedure called multilocus sequence typing, or MLST. Essentially, when I analyze the DNA, I compare specific genes within that bacterial strain to the strains logged in a national database of bacteria. Through this research I can determine how certain strains are traveling and if they are related, among other things. I feel like my participation in this research has an immediate and significant impact because I am directly involved with hospitals to determine how and where infections are spreading.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor plays a big part in the success of my education. Because I am in the lab with my advisor for 5 to 6 hours each day, I have developed a good working relationship with her. Research at this level is very challenging, but having my advisor available when I have questions makes me much more productive.

Does your masters program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, upon graduation, I will take a comprehensive exam. I will be required to produce results and convey scientific knowledge, both verbally and in writing.

How does a masters degree program differ from undergraduate study?

My masters degree program is different from undergraduate study in the usefulness of the courses, the relationship I have with my advisors and the stress level.

I feel that my current program is much more applicable to my education than my undergraduate courses. I was a pre-med student until my senior year, and I think the undergraduate curriculum is designed to make pre-med students jump through a lot of hoops to prove themselves. But there is little practical value to many of the courses. This was definitely my experience studying at the undergraduate level. However, in my masters program I feel like everything I do is practical and applicable.

Along with the relevance of the curriculum, another difference is the level of interaction I have with my peers and advisors. Although my masters degree program is much shorter than my undergraduate program, I feel I have much more contact with my peers and my advisors because we all spend hours in the lab together each day.

I also think that studying for my masters degree is less stressful than studying at the undergraduate level. In my masters degree program for biotechnology, school is my main focus. During my undergraduate career, I was busy with extra-curricular activities, and I was very concerned with enhancing my resume for graduate school. In my masters program, extra-curricular activities are no longer a concern, and my top priority is my schoolwork. Efficient time management is much easier with a single main focus.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

Altogether, my masters degree program in biotechnology costs between $8,000 and $11,000 for the whole year.

How are you funding your education?

For this masters program in biotechnology, there are no funding opportunities available. I am using a small government loan and my own savings to pay for it.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters in biotechnology?

Because my masters degree program in biotechnology is accelerated, the curriculum is condensed and the workload is very heavy. I spend several hours a week attending actual classes. I am currently enrolled in 4 classes. In addition, I would say that I spend about 15 to 20 hours each week on schoolwork outside of class, and probably another 15 to 20 hours in the lab each week.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has actually had a positive effect on my personal life, compared to when I was earning my bachelors. During my undergraduate years, I spread myself too thin doing volunteer work, getting involved in clubs and working a part-time job. In graduate school, I have fewer obligations, so I can focus my energy on my program. I work hard, but I manage my time well. I make sure that I have time to unwind with my friends.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I am planning on pursuing a PhD in cell and molecular biology, and in 5 years I hope to be getting ready to defend my dissertation and receive my doctorate. With a masters degree in biotechnology, I have many options for the future, whether I continue with my plan to earn a PhD or take it in another direction.

If for some reason I am not accepted into a PhD program, I might enter the field of biotechnology, because it is a growing discipline with good job prospects for someone with a masters degree. Biotechnology is also applicable to other sciences, and with a masters degree in biotechnology I could do any kind of lab work involving molecular techniques.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters in biotechnology?

Studying to become a scientist has proven very rewarding. I stress, however, that the rewards are personal and not monetary. If you are in it for the money, you are in the wrong place. I am an academic and I am driven by the pursuit of knowledge.

If you are interested in a masters degree in science, I encourage you to consider biotechnology. But I also advise you to consider your motivations and ask a lot of questions about any program before you commit. A masters in biotechnology is very marketable, and perfect for students interested in going straight into industry. So before you consider pursuing a PhD, you ought to assess your goals. It is a long time commitment and an important decision.