Program Description

The National Institute of Health (NIH) supports PEER with an Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (IMSD) program.  The program is managed by the UT Knoxville/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Graduate School of Genome Science & Technology (GST).  This partnership provides a strong and unique educational environment that offers PEER scholars the opportunity to train in an unprecedented atmosphere of scientific excellence, engage in interdisciplinary fostered team-science, gain crucial 21st century professional skills, develop effective communication proficiency, and be mentored by nationally recognized faculty leaders all within a supportive community created by and for scholars.  PEER scholars will complete a Basic Ph.D. Plan which includes:

• A comprehensive PEER orientation to impart computing and bioinformatics methods and familiarize students with practical skills for success in graduate school
•  Workshops on topics such as effective college teaching, skills for success, and self assessment
•  Mentors who are both teachers and researchers with national reputations.
• Immersion in a collaborative and multidisciplinary team approach to solving biological problems
• Collaboration with other PEER scholars and interdisciplinary research teams at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Science-centered communication training
• Opportunities to communicate scientific knowledge through written and verbal presentations

Scholars will also have a Specialized Ph.D. Plan that consists of interventions that are invoked to ensure PEER scholars’ success as they progress through the program.  Some elements could include individual coaching, referral to on-campus services, serving as a PEER tutor and/or opportunities to engage in community outreach. 

Scholars who complete the Ph.D. academic, PEER Basic, and Specialized Ph.D. Scholar’s plan will gain confidence and determination and will be qualified to go on to post-doctoral positions and achieve biomedical research careers.  In addition to the co-curriculum academic experiences that will enhance and enrich the regular graduate curriculum and broaden the perspective and marketable skills of the Scholars, PEER financial support also include a stipend of $25,000/year plus tuition for the first two years of doctoral-level study.

 

Contact Information

Cynthia Peterson
Phone: (865) 974-1531
Email: cbpeters@utk.edu

Sekeenia Haynes
Phone: 865-974-4064
Email: shaynes6@utk.edu