#  About 

 



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## **ABOUT PGG**

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The Program in Genetics and Genomics (PGG) is a NIH T32 funded concentration within the PhD Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). By joining PGG, you become part of a community of like-minded research scientists and receive supplemental training in all areas of modern genetics, including molecular genetics, genomic technologies, applied bioinformatics, and human and disease genetics.

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### **How to Join PGG**

Membership in PGG is open to all Harvard BBS students. There is no formal application process for admission. Any interested BBS student should email the Program Director, Scott Kennedy, at [kennedy\[at\]genetics.med.harvard.edu](mailto:kennedy@genetics.med.harvard.edu) to schedule an interview.

BBS students typically join the program during the summer between their G1 and G2 years, after they have selected their dissertation lab. G1 students are welcome to express interest in the program and to begin attending events before formally joining.

### **Program Requirements**

To remain in good standing in PGG, students must meet the following minimum requirements:

- Meet all BBS requirements.
- Conduct research in genetics or a closely related field.
- Take Genetics 201 during their first year\*.
- Take a course in statistical or quantitative biology as one of their BBS electives.
- Take two courses in genetics or genomics as two of their BBS electives.
- Present at the G3 Talks Mini Symposium during their third year.
- Attend the PGG Symposium once per year.

*\*For those students with an exceptionally strong background in genetics, an exemption for Genetics 201 may be obtained after conferring with the Program director.*

### **Change of Diploma Subject**

Once they have been cleared for defense by the DAC, students who meet all of the above requirements may, if they wish, change their diploma title from "PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences" to "PhD in Genetics and Genomics". This is entirely optional and is done by requesting a Change of Subject Request Form from BBS.

### **Programmatic Activities**

PGG organizes several initiatives throughout the year to support professional and social development.

**Student-Hosted Speakers**  
Each March, PGG students are invited to nominate principal investigators (local or international) as potential speakers for the Genetics Seminar Series. Students then vote to select three speakers. The students who submitted the selected nominations serve as hosts. Hosting responsibilities include sending the invitation, accompanying the speaker during their visit, introducing their seminar, and joining the speaker for lunch on campus and dinner at a local restaurant with a small group of interested students.

**G3 Talks Mini Symposium**  
During their third year, all PGG students are required to present their research projects—regardless of the stage of the work—to the PGG community of students and faculty. This event provides an opportunity for scientific communication and public speaking training. Prior to the symposium, students attend a workshop on scientific presentations and are matched with a PGG faculty member to rehearse their talk.

**Annual PGG Symposium**  
The largest PGG event of the year features seminars by former BBS graduate students who are now successful independent investigators in genetics and genomics, alumni who have pursued non-academic careers, and current senior PGG graduate students. Current G4+ PGG students also present posters during the poster session and reception.

**PQE Club**  
G2 students can rehearse or discuss their PQE with senior PGG students in an informal, student-only lunch session.

**Career Day**  
Each year, PGG invites 10–12 alumni who have transitioned to non-academic positions to campus for a “speed networking” event. Each alumnus sits at a table while students rotate between tables in small groups every 10 minutes, asking questions about careers, training, and professional paths.

**PGG Social Hour**  
Twice a year, PGG hosts a social hour in conjunction with the Genetics Department Social Hour.