University of Maryland Named Top 10 Public Research Institution

The Graduate Program in Life Sciences (GPILS) offers cutting-edge translational research training in basic, biomedical, clinical, and population sciences. We offer seven PhD granting graduate programs and three MS-level programs.

Our graduate programs cover the entire range of biomedical research and life sciences including the basics of protein structure and molecular biology, integrative systems physiology, virology, vaccine development, behavior, cognition, population-based genetics, and the impact of the environment on human health.

Visit our About GPILS page to learn more.

Student Spotlight

Meet Kurt Espinsoa

Kurt Espinosa, a third-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student in Dr. Alex Drohat's lab, is one of this year's MPower Early Scholar Awardees. The MPower Early Scholar Investment Fund was created in 2025 to support those at UMB and the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) who have felt the direct impact of recent cuts to research funding.

“There is a lot of fear among scientists about funding cuts, especially in the political climate that we are in,” said Kurt Espinosa, a fourth-year graduate student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program in the Graduate Program in Life Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). “Winning this award has given me a bit of a breathing room, knowing that I can continue my research without significant financial hurdles.”

Kurt's work in Dr. Drohat's lab focuses on studying enzymes involved in DNA repair. The award will help him continue this research and ultimately earn his PhD.

More information about Kurt's award and the other winners can be found here.

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