physics and • • • How thepr • Who shouldapply • www.physics.vanderbilt.edu/bridge Helen Jackson, imaging science Get fast-trackadmissiontooneoftheparticipatingV Along theway Earn amaster Students withunder Students motivatedtopursuethePh.D.,butwhor funding support. and othersciencedisciplines and/or research experience Jedidah Isler, astrophysics Master’s-to-Ph.D. BridgeProgram ogram works ’s degr , r eceive valuabler graduate majorsinphysics,biology ee atFiskUniversity Fisk-Vanderbilt you can esear John Rigueur Reach forthePh.D. ch experiencewithcaring,dedicatedmentors. Nothing worthwhileisevereasy. , with fullfundingsupport. , materials science equir tú puedes anderbilt Ph.D.pr We justhelpmakeitpossible. e , chemistry, computerscience,math, additional coursework,training, ograms, withfull V incent Alexander

, biophysics

e c n e i c s g n i g a m i • e c n e i c s s l a i r e t a m • s e c n e i c s l a c i d e m o i b Get the preparation you need to earn a Ph.D.

Are you passionate about a career in the physical or biomed- dent. Courses are selected to address any gaps in undergradu- ical sciences but need additional course work, training, or ate preparation, and research experiences are provided that research experience before beginning Ph.D.-level work? By allow students to develop—and to demonstrate—their full sci- completing a master’s degree under the guidance of caring fac- entific talent and potential. The program provides: ulty mentors, students in the Fisk-Vanderbilt Master’s-to-Ph.D. • full access to instructional opportunities at both Fisk Bridge program develop the strong academic foundation, University and , leading to the com- research skills, and pletion of most or all course work required for the Ph.D.; one-on-one mentoring relationships that will • research performed with Fisk and Vanderbilt faculty, lead- foster a successful tran- ing to the selection of a Vanderbilt Ph.D. adviser; sition to the Ph.D. The • a nurturing, friendly academic environment and a warm program, which usual- social network with other Bridge students, postdocs, and ly requires two years, faculty; is flexible and is indi- vidualized to the goals • full funding support, including tuition waiver, monthly and needs of each stu- stipend, and insurance. Melissa Harrison, materials science

Areas of Study

All students in the Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge program begin by • Nanoscale devices and nanocrystals working toward a master’s degree in physics. Thus all stu- • Spintronics in nano-structured materials dents complete a common core of graduate-level physics • Linear and non-linear optical properties courses. In addition, electives are chosen in consultation with of nanoparticles the student’s Fisk and Vanderbilt advisers based upon the Biomedical Sciences Research and intended area of Ph.D. study. The areas of Ph.D. study current- Education Training Program ly available to Bridge program students are listed here, along with the Vanderbilt department, program, or research center • Biophysics corresponding to each: • Chemical and physical biology • Computational biology Physics and Astronomy Department Yilen Gomez, • Molecular biology and physiology • Astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology astrophysics • Structural biology • Biological physics • Condensed matter physics Institute of Imaging Science • Nuclear and particle physics • Cancer and cardiovascular imaging • Medical and health physics • Cellular and molecular imaging • Functional and structural neuro-imaging Interdisciplinary Program in Materials Science and Nanophysics • Image processing and analysis • Carbon nanostructures • Physics of imaging and spectroscopy • Cellular-nanostructure interface

How to Apply and Whom to Contact

Admission to the Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge program begins Application forms and instructions are available with an application to the master’s degree program in online from the Bridge program Web site: physics at . We urge all prospective Bridge www.physics.vanderbilt.edu/bridge applicants to contact one of the program coordinators before applying. We will gladly speak with you about the program, Primary faculty contacts: answer any questions you may have, help you determine Professor Keivan Stassun whether the program is right for you, and guide you Vanderbilt University through the application process. [email protected] (615) 322-2828 An application to the Master’s-to-Ph.D. Bridge program consists of the following: Professor Arnold Burger • Fisk master’s degree application form Fisk University • Undergraduate transcript(s) [email protected] (615) 329-8516 • Personal statement • General GRE scores

www.physics.vanderbilt.edu/bridge Enrique Jackson, materials science Life in Nashville

Nashville has emerged as a vibrant, progressive, modern ances by the symphony, opera, ballet, and theater groups. city, dubbed variously as “Music City USA” and “Athens of Nashville is home to the NFL Tennessee Titans and the the South.” The city boasts fourteen col- NHL Nashville Predators. The leges and universities, attracting some Gaylord Entertainment Center is the 30,000 students from the United States venue for many rock and pop con- and around the world. Nashville has been certs and other events. consistently ranked one of America’s Downtown living in high-rise most liveable cities. apartment buildings and stylish lofts The city claims one of the largest urban is also on the upswing. Historic parks and greenway systems in the Second Avenue offers a lively United States. nightlife, with restaurants, coffee The arts flourish, too. The Frist Center houses, and nightclubs in renovated for the Visual Arts presents exhibitions of warehouses that echo Nashville’s his- the world’s greatest art. The Tennessee tory of river commerce. Performing Arts Center hosts perform-

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