Graduate Programs
Kent State University
Biomedical Sciences
The Biomedical Sciences program offers training focused on the elucidation of processes related to the biochemistry and pathobiology of diseases. Students may be admitted to the program through the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program. All students participate in an integrated curriculum designed to impart an in-depth understanding of the major discipline, as well as the interests of the student and advisor. Students will choose a lab for their thesis research by the beginning of the second full year in the program.
Cleveland Clinic Faculty Contact:
Tara DeSilva, PhD
KSU Faculty Contact:
Ernest Freeman, PhD
Participating Cleveland Clinic Faculty
How to Apply 
Interested students should apply for admission to the desired program through Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Kent State University or the University of Akron. After university acceptance, students can be considered for the opportunity to conduct PhD research work at Cleveland Clinic with a Cleveland Clinic faculty advisor.
Support for Students
Research Assistantships
PhD students who have been accepted into the university degree programs, and have arranged to work with advisors at the Cleveland Clinic, are supported financially during their graduate studies with a research assistantship. The assistantship usually provides full tuition and a student stipend. Financial support for students is partially funded by the mentor as well as funds dedicated for graduate education. Stipends vary with university program. Specifics may be obtained from the following LRI graduate program directors:
- Case Western Reserve University: Dr. Jonathan Smith
- Cleveland State University: Dr. Christine Moravec
- Kent State University: Dr. Tara DeSilva
- University of Akron: Dr. Christine Moravec
Graduate Student Awards
Lerner Research Institute provides awards to recognize outstanding junior scientists, such as the F. Merlin Bumpus Junior Investigator Awards, presented at the annual Cleveland Clinic Research Day, and Graduate Student Awards for Excellence. Awardees receive cash prizes and institute recognition for their achievements.
Trainee News
Physician-Scientist Training Program Graduates First Student
11/12/2020
Dr. Smith, a vascular surgery resident in the Heart, Vascular &Thoracic Institute, recently earned his PhD through Lerner Research Institute’s innovative physician-scientist training program.
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VIDEO: Explore a PhD in Molecular Medicine
11/03/2020
Hear directly from program leadership and current students about our unique collaborative graduate training opportunity that integrates basic science and medical knowledge.
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LRI Names 2020 Awards for Excellence Winners
10/05/2020
In a virtual ceremony hosted by the Research Education and Training Center, 11 students, trainees and staff members were honored with Awards for Excellence for their 2020 accomplishments.
Read MoreConnect with Us
The Lerner Postdoctoral Association and Alumni Network on LinkedIn is a group of current and former postdoctoral fellows, research associates and graduate students at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. We share opportunities for career development, networking and highlighting our scientific achievements.