Graduate students contribute to world-class research in our labs. Coming from across Columbia University — from doctoral programs in neurobiology and biomedicine to engineering and psychology — they receive support from their home schools, departments and programs while working toward their degrees at the Zuckerman Institute.

As a core part of our community, graduates students benefit from an outstanding research environment, and from a rich array of seminars, conferences and symposia. They can also take advantage of targeted professional development programming that advances their scientific training and supports their professional growth. 

Leadership Opportunities
 

Zuckerman Institute Trainee Advisory Committee
The Zuckerman Institute Trainee Advisory Committee (ZTAC) promotes the scientific training, professional development, and general welfare of students and postdocs at ZI, advising the Institute leadership about the students and postdoc population’s needs and concerns.
 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board
The Zuckerman Institute’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board includes representation from graduate students. The Board advises Institute leadership on the best practices and structures that contribute to a more inclusive and diverse place of scientific discovery.

Graduate students hold a discussion at a career workshop. (Credit: Sirin Samman) 

Workshops
Graduate students benefit from access to programs and materials targeted to their discipline and career stage. Workshop offerings include:

Mentor and Mentee Training 

A workshop series to maximize the effectiveness of the mentor-mentee relationship.

Science Communication Training

A workshop series to craft a persuasive scientific message and tell it as an engaging story for both scientific and public audiences.

Master's Student Hiroki Tomida presents his project to the Bendesky lab. (Credit: Devin Powell)

Public Engagement

Researchers at all career stages connect with the local Harlem and South Bronx communities through a host of public programs aimed at sharing the challenge and excitement of learning how our minds and brains work. Volunteer and paid opportunities to engage with public audiences are available year-round.