Students Becoming Scientists

At what point does a student become a scientist?

At VAI Graduate School, we believe that students make the transition to professional scientists through many different factors over a period of time, not in one pinpointed moment. We foster this transition through many unique elements, including:

• Our curriculum and other program components
• A caring and supporting community environment in which students are full partners
• Encouraging meaningful collaboration within Van Andel Institute (VAI) and with outside individuals and institutions
• A culture of opportunity and creativity that encourages individuals to pursue excellence in research that serves others
• Outstanding academic, laboratory, computing and administrative resources
• A generous financial stipend and benefits
• Personal academic and research advisors to assist the students in achieving their goals in a timely manner
• A blend of serious and focused work and fun, including VAI recreational teams, regional summer and winter participatory and spectator sports and Grand Rapids cultural events, restaurants, museums, concerts and theater