{"id":19,"date":"2014-07-22T14:22:33","date_gmt":"2014-07-22T14:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/?page_id=19"},"modified":"2026-04-16T10:47:31","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:47:31","slug":"doctoral-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/doctoral-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Doctor of Philosophy with Specialty in Anatomy (Ph.D.)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row type=”vc_default” content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_color_value=”#000000″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Purpose of the Graduate<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Program in Anatomy<\/strong><\/p>\n

The graduate program in Anatomy was created to train students for careers in research and teaching in Anatomy and Neurobiology disciplines. It comprises Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree program. Through these, students become prepared for a variety of careers in academia, basic science\/ clinical research, the biomedical\/ biotechnology industry, science education and community outreach, government agencies, and various other health-related fields.<\/p>\n

Selection and Admission of Graduate Students <\/strong>Prospective graduate students may obtain an application for admission from the Division of Biomedical Sciences (<\/strong>www.md.rcm.upr.edu\/biomed\/).<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Admission requirements are:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. A Bachelor\u2019s degree or its equivalent (as determined by the Registrar\u2019s Office) with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 0 overall and 3.0 in the sciences and mathematics. (Minimum required courses include General and Organic Chemistry, General Physics, Mathematics through Calculus, and 12 credits of Biology).<\/li>\n
  2. A working knowledge of Spanish and<\/li>\n
  3. An essay in English of approximately 1 single-spaced page setting forth the applicant\u2019s reasons for being interested in obtaining a graduate degree and following a career in Anatomy\/Neurobiology.<\/li>\n
  4. Copies of official transcripts and three (3) letters of recommendation.<\/li>\n
  5. An interview with the Department\u2019s<\/li>\n
  6. Research experience is highly<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Filled out application form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    <\/td>\nPhD<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Year 1<\/strong><\/td>\n

    		Gross Anatomy Embryology Histology Neuroscience<\/p>\n

    Seminar \/ Journal Clubs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Year 2<\/strong><\/td>\n

    		Practice in Teaching Biochemistry Physiology Biostatistics<\/p>\n

    Research Lab Rotations Seminar \/ Journal Clubs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

    Year 3<\/strong><\/td>\nDissertation Proposal Qualifying Exam<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Year<\/strong> 4 \u2013 5<\/strong><\/td>\nDissertation Research and Defense<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”More Information About PhD Admission Requirements” color=”black” size=”sm” align=”center” i_type=”entypo” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-network” css=”” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmd.rcm.upr.edu%2Fbiomed%2Fadmission-requirements%2F”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_color_value=”#000000″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

    Faculty & Areas of Research<\/span><\/h2>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Jennifer L. Barreto Estrada, PhD<\/strong>
    \nProfessor
    \njennifer.barreto1@upr.edu<\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 x 2300 \/ Office A-563C, Lab A-555
    \nBehavioral neuroendocrinology and neural basis of drug addiction.<\/p>\n

    Rosa E. Blanco, PhD
    \n<\/strong>Professor
    \n    rosa.blanco@upr.edu<\/a>
    \nINB 787-724-1962\/Office 220, Labs 208-210, 213, 216, 112A
    \n787-758-2525 x 2269 \/ Office A-563A
    \nVisual system nerve regeneration and neuronal plasticity.<\/p>\n

    Yancy Ferrer-Acosta, PhD
    \n<\/strong>Assistant Professor
    \nyancy.ferrer@upr.edu
    \n787-758-2525 X-2169, 2562 \/ Office A-572, Lab A-573\/548
    \nNeuroprotection and cancer therapeutics using natural products and targeted nanotechnology.<\/p>\n

    Juan C. Jorge, PhD<\/strong>
    \nProfessor
    \n    juan.jorge@upr.edu<\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 x1506 \/ Office \/ Lab A-521
    \nSexual dimorphisms; incidence of congenital malformations affecting genitalia and sex organs; public health epidemiological studies regarding pediatric psychiatric treatment and diagnosis and follow up of pediatric patients with congenital malformations.<\/p>\n

    Robert W. Kensler, PhD<\/strong>
    \nProfessor
    \n    robert.kensler@upr.edu<\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 x 1507 \/ Office\u00a0 A-563E
    \nMacromolecular structure of muscle thick filaments and associated accessory proteins.<\/p>\n

    Mark Miller, PhD<\/strong>
    \nProfessor
    \n    mark.miller@upr.edu<\/a>
    \nINB x222, Office 214, Lab 112J
    \n787-758-2525 x 2269 \/ Office A-563A
    \nRhythmic activities in the nervous system of invertebrates. Neuroanatomy of Biomphalaria alexandrina and its potential role in impeding propagation of schistosomiasis.<\/p>\n

    Nivia L. P\u00e9rez-Acevedo, MS, PhD<\/strong>
    \nProfessor
    \n    nivia.perez@upr.edu<\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 x 1512 \/ Office \/Lab A-556
    \nAnatomical variations and sexual dimorphism, primarily of the head & neck; and patterns of muscles that may present unilaterally, bilaterally or show agenesis.<\/p>\n

    Roberto E. Rodr\u00edguez Morales, PhD
    \n<\/strong>Assistant Professor
    \n    roberto.rodriguez19@upr.edu <\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 X-1513 Lab\/Office A518\/517
    \nEvolution and plasticity of social behaviors \/ Mechanisms underlying sensory system compensation.<\/p>\n

    Demetrio Sierra, PhD<\/strong>
    \nAssociate Professor
    \n    demetrio.sierra@upr.edu<\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 x1572 \/ Office A-503, Lab A-515
    \nThe effects of traumatic brain injury on the formation and expression of memories<\/p>\n

    Mar\u00eda A. Sosa, PhD<\/strong>
    \nProfessor
    \n    maria.sosa@upr.edu<\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 x1514 \/ Office A-562, Lab A-570
    \nNeural basis of interactive behaviors in invertebrate animal model systems; impact of anthropogenic environmental changes on nervous system function of local river fauna.<\/p>\n

    Natalia Valent\u00edn, PhD<\/strong>
    \nAssistant Professor
    \n    natalia.valentin3@upr.edu<\/a>
    \n787-758-2525 x2300
    \nAnatomical variations of vascular system of the limbs and the mediastinum of the thorax[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”vc_default” content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_color_value=”#000000″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

    Joint and Adjunct Professors<\/span><\/h2>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Christian E. Bravo, PhD
    \n<\/strong>Assistant Professor (Dept. of Psychiatry)
    \n    christian.bravorivera@upr.edu<\/a>
    \nActive avoidance and cognitive neuroscience in rodent model systems.<\/p>\n

    Bruno Marie, PhD<\/strong>
    \nAssociate Professor
    \nInst. of Neurobiology
    \n    brunomariemail@gmail.com<\/a>
    \nMolecular mechanisms of neuronal synaptic growth and plasticity in Drosophila melanogaster<\/p>\n

    Andrew M. Seeds, PhD<\/strong>
    \nAssistant Professor
    \nInst. of Neurobiology
    \n    andrew.seeds@upr.edu<\/a>
    \nMechanisms underlying how the nervous system produces movement sequences.<\/p>\n

    Cristina M. Vel\u00e1zquez, PhD<\/strong>
    \nAssistant Professor
    \nInst. of Neurobiology
    \n    cristina.velazquez1@upr.edu<\/a>
    \nCNS plasticity in response to substance abuse and use of opioids.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    [vc_row type=”vc_default” content_placement=”middle” bg_type=”bg_color” bg_color_value=”#000000″][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] Purpose of the Graduate [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]Program in Anatomy The graduate program in Anatomy was created to train students for careers in research and teaching in Anatomy and Neurobiology disciplines. It comprises Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree program. Through these, students become prepared for a variety of careers in academia,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P658ug-j","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2272,"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19\/revisions\/2272"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/md.rcm.upr.edu\/anatomyneurobiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}