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Michelle Mondoux

When comparing graduate schools on paper, it was very difficult for me to see how I would make the decision--I was choosing between several schools that had superb reputations, facilities, faculty, etc. 

After visiting the different departments, however, it became very clear to me that Princeton stood out among that select group. For me, the sense of community that the Molecular Biology department fosters makes Princeton the absolute best place to do graduate work.

The students, faculty, post docs, and staff all seem truly committed to the work that they do--and are happy doing it. There is a tremendous sense of real scientific inquiry and collaboration--faculty and students working together toward a larger goal, rather than competing.

The department also places a high degree of importance on classes, something that is very often overlooked in graduate programs. First year class is challenging, but one leaves them not only with a broad, solid background, but also with a real sense of how to ask important questions--how to "be a scientist." There is also a strong commitment to teaching, including extensive training.

You will not get lost at Princeton. There is help available every step of the way--with classes, with rotations, with teaching, and, eventually, with general exams--to provide students with every opportunity for success. The size of the department, and the balance between undergraduates, graduate students, and post docs provides a vibrant and thriving scientific community at all levels of research. Although it may be a stretch to say that "everyone knows your name," there is very much a sense that "we are all in this together."

Plus, there are cookies in the MolBio department everyday at 4 pm. This is the most under-used recruiting tool in history.

Michelle is currently a postdoc at the NIH.