student working together at the lab bench

BMMB Graduate Program

Interdisciplinary and Flexible Training

Earn a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB) researching alongside 53 faculty and more than 75 graduate students in areas from the structures of biological molecules and their mechanisms to the development of multicellular organisms.

Learn More About BMMB

BMMB Application Instructions

Start Your Penn State Graduate Application

Explore Research in BMMB

BMMB Presents:

Investigations into Cellulose Microfibril Structure and Synthesis using Cryo-electron Tomography

Mark Frank

Adviser: Dr. Tracy Nixon
Thursday, April 1st @ 12:05 PM

Request access to the Presentation

Honors and Awards:

Nathan Soulier earns Honorable Mention for two prestigious Graduate Scholarships.

Access BMMB Information for Current Students and Faculty

Resources for Current Students and Faculty

Find all current BMMB guidelines, common BMMB forms, course catalog, and more.

Learn More About GSA

BMMB Graduate Student Association

The BMMB Graduate Student Association (GSA) provides opportunities for career development, networking, enrichment, and advocates for students' interests within the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department.

View Resources & Opportunities

Professional Development

BMMB is committed to providing our students with the training and resources necessary to be successful in attaining rewarding careers. BMMB hosts events that bring in speakers, recruiters, and skill-development sessions.

"One of my favorite things about BMMB is how diverse it is. Faculty studying all different types of model organisms, scientific questions, and methodology facilitates lots of rich collaborations and pushes us all to think outside of our traditional box/niche."

Meet Our Students

Learn More About Our Students

Meet James Lee

James’ research within the laboratory is focused on the molecular mechanism, and understanding, of how transcriptional hotspots are formed in the yeast nucleus.

Meet Stephanie Collins

Stephanie’s research focuses on how the gut microbiome influences the detoxification and removal of pharmaceuticals, environmental toxicants, and other chemicals from the body.

Meet Oluwasegun Akinniyi

Oluwasegun’s research focuses on the deadenylase activity of the Ccr4 subunit of the multisubunit protein complex on mRNA.

Images from left to right: Oluwasegun in traditional Nigerian clothing. Oluwasegun taking a photo at the bull on Wall Street in New York

BMMB Graduate Program

BMMB students make scientific contributions under the mentorship of vibrant and diverse faculty whose research expertise provides students with an engaging collaborative and interdisciplinary experience.