We are thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone in the academic journey of our PhD students at the College of Medicine, Center for NeuroGenetics —the Advancement to Candidacy Coating Ceremony.
Receiving the white coat at this stage is a powerful symbol of our students’ transition from learners to independent scholars. It marks not only the successful completion of rigorous coursework and examinations, but also a commitment to the highest standards of research, ethics, and scientific inquiry.
This year’s honorees shared what the ceremony means to them:
“My advice to those who are preparing for their qualifying exam would be to embrace the journey and use this as a time to really refine your knowledge. This is an excellent time to take a deep dive into the literature and better understand the history of the field and how your research could shape the future of it.” – Emily Davey-Osuch
“Passing the qualifying exam was a challenging, but significant step. Having achieved this milestone, I am now even more eager to dig into my research and make a meaningful contribution to science.“- Luke Nourie
“A PhD, while an opportunity to learn and lean into one’s passions, is a long and oftentimes difficult journey. Advancing to candidacy and passing my qualifying exam means that I have made satisfactory progress in my research and studies. It is an exciting time where I really get to dive into my research and become a more independent scientist. It is a joy to celebrate this milestone with family and friends — the people who have been and continue to be my support system throughout this journey.” – Hannah Golliher
This ceremony reflects the dedication, resilience, and intellectual curiosity that define our future physician-scientists and biomedical researchers. It is a proud moment for our students, their mentors, and the entire Center for NeuroGenetics community.
👏 Congratulations to our newly coated PhD candidates! We look forward to the discoveries you’ll lead and the impact you’ll make.