A message from Dr. Bruce CushingI joined the Department of Biology, as the Chair and Director of our new PhD program, in the Summer of 2006. I am truly excited about our new interdisciplinary program, as I was an integrative biologist long before the term was in vogue. My PhD was in Behavioral Ecology conducting predator/prey (weasels and mice) field studies, but I was always fascinated by the regulation of behavior. So now as a Behavioral Neuroscientist I use molecular techniques and viral vector transfections to manipulate the brain to understand the development and expression of social behavior. Therefore when offered the opportunity to be involved in a program that pushes the boundaries of integrative research past a single discipline to include the many fields that biology touches and that touch biology I had no choice but to say yes.
We are at the beginning of a new time, a time when the pervasive nature and the importance of biology are coming to the forefront of science and industry. One of the biggest challenges we face is to develop programs of study that generate researchers who can effectively communication across disciplines and design, direct and implement interdisciplinary research projects. The future and job potential for individuals that can function at this level is almost unlimited with opportunities in academics, the private sector, and the government, at both the national and international level. The University of Akron has brought together more than 60 outstanding research faculty, encompassing more than 9 departments and 3 Colleges, who have the talent, skills, and drive to make this educational opportunity a reality.
I invite you to take a few moments to search our website, viewing the program, faculty, and research options. After doing so we hope that you will be as excited about this opportunity as we are. Please feel free to contact me, cbruce@uakron.edu, or individual faculty members if you have any questions. |
