Department of Medicinal Chemistry

The USM-UM IGERT program addresses America's long-term need for top-notch scientists capable of translating research results into new technologies and new businesses. It combines excellent interdisciplinary science education with entrepreneurial and business training. Faculty and students form teams and develop joint projects exploring how polymer science and medicinal chemistry can synergistically extend the methods of making and evaluating new materials, new bioactive agents and new applications of biomaterials. Participants are centered in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Mississippi and the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi. They are tied together through research projects, broad education in business and entrepreneurialism, and interactions with industry in the US and abroad.

Within the state, bringing together two excellent programs to teach and do research at a truly innovative and socially important science interface; Within the US, by developing a successful model for research and teaching in science that uniquely combines structured education, training and hands-on experience in business and entrepeneurialism; and World-wide, through learning from and teaching students and industrial practitioners in other countries and other disciplines.

Students experiencing this program will be able to start their own companies, perhaps even at or before graduation, and to be highly effective members of larger company research and development teams. It is expected that this IGERT program will serve as a model for integration of science and entrepeneurial education that have immediate and long-term impact on other programs in Mississippi, and will result in new businesses that will enhance economic development in the state and quality of life everywhere.

Should I apply to the IGERT program?
Yes, if you are a student that:

Aims to be a scientist for the future--one who is more flexible, more collaborative, more adept at linking issues through multiple disciplines.
Has demonstrated strong interest and motivation in the areas of science, technology, engineering and business.
Has completed a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
Is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

What are some the benefits of being an IGERT fellow?

Excellent interdisciplinary science education with entrepreneurial and business training
Opportunity to start up your own company
$30,000 stipend
Full tuition waiver
International travel experiences

The Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) program, initiated in 1997 and now comprising approximately 125 award sites, continues into its sixth annual competition. The IGERT program has been developed to meet the challenges of educating U.S. Ph.D. scientists, engineers, and educators with the interdisciplinary backgrounds, deep knowledge in chosen disciplines, and technical, professional, and personal skills to become in their own careers the leaders and creative agents for change. The program is intended to catalyze a cultural change in graduate education, for students, faculty, and institutions, by establishing innovative new models for graduate education and training in a fertile environment for collaborative research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. It is also intended to facilitate greater diversity in student participation and preparation, and to contribute to the development of a diverse, globally-engaged science and engineering workforce.