Create your own research journey

The Ph.D. in Integrative Life Sciences, a program housed in the Center for Integrative Life Sciences Education, is designed for students who want to conduct research that is integrative across multiple disciplines and takes a systems approach to emerging research questions across the many fields that comprise the life sciences.

Students may opt to work with faculty members from any department, center or institute across VCU campuses. The program provides the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research at multiple scales of study from the molecular to ecosystem levels.  Student research centers around the intersection of the environment and the human condition, building on existing strengths in genetics, sensing, forensic science, sustainability and conservation. 

Unlike traditional graduate programs where there are dedicated faculty, Dr. Stephen Fong, ILS Program Director and Professor in Chemical and Life Science Engineering, and Dr. Sarah Rothschild, ILS Assistant Director and Assistant Professor in Life Sciences run the ILS program. 

We invite you to visit our Directory page, where you can learn more about the wide variety of disciplines and research conducted by our Ph.D. candidates.  Prospective candidates are strongly suggested to have a mentor/PI identified before applying to the program.