The Pat and Ian Cook Doctoral Program in Cancer Engineering supports our students at every phase of training to prepare to be scientific leaders of tomorrow. 

As a cancer engineering PhD student, you will be surrounded by top scientists and engineers in the field with whom you will collaborate closely to develop and apply new technologies in cancer science. 

As a new student, you will be assigned a first-year mentor who will guide you through your initial year and help you make decisions about your training and selecting lab rotations. Once you’ve selected your thesis lab, your mentor will be your main support in conducting your research and preparing for your dissertation defense. You’ll also choose a thesis advisory committee to meet periodically with you and your mentor to discuss your goals and progress. 

In your second year, you’ll have the option to begin your clinical apprenticeship, intended to give you a perspective on how your research might be applied to patients with cancer being treated at MSK.  You’ll be paired with a clinical mentor who will help you focus on specific clinical challenges related to your research project. 

You will have the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with many faculty members, including your thesis mentor as well as other advisors and members of your thesis and dissertation committees. You’ll also be learning from the section leaders of the Core Course and other faculty members who teach the course. 

Dean Michael Overholtzer and Associate Dean Thomas Magaldi are committed to helping you throughout your studies. During our Deans’ Hours, you will have the opportunity to informally ask any questions and discuss any concerns. 

By enrolling in our PhD program, you will join a selective, personal, and close-knit community of people on a mission to make the breakthrough discoveries of tomorrow.