Overview
Van Andel Institute Graduate School is home to exceptional students with a passion for biomedical research from across the U.S. and abroad.
Current Students
Meet Van Andel Institute Graduate School's exceptional Ph.D. candidates.
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Student Support Services
We are deeply committed to supporting our Ph.D. candidates throughout their time at the Institute, both in and out of the classroom.
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Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association helps foster a sense of community and camaraderie among VAI’s student community.
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Living in Grand Rapids
Making the move to a new city is exciting, but also comes with many considerations. We're here to help!
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Elshaimaa Ali, M.S.
Thesis: Identification and characterization of novel non-histone substrates of SETD2
Menusha Arumugam
Thesis: TME impact on epithelial tumorigenesis in NF1-deficient breast cancer
Ebenezer Asiedu
Rafael Bena de Araujo
Alix Booms
Thesis: Uncovering the functionality of PD risk-SNPs at the HLA locus in microglia
Shelby Compton
Thesis: Investigating the mechanisms of LKB1-mediated inflammation in tumor progression
Eric Cordeiro-Spinetti, M.S.
Thesis: Investigating the roles of lysine-methyltransferases in the epigenetic regulation of cardiac and skeletal myogenesis
Samuel Daniels
Arkajit De
Nadia Dehghani, B.Sc.
Thesis: Genetic characterization of dementia in a Turkish cohort
Patrick Dischinger, B.S., MB(ASCP)CM
Thesis: Investigating NF1 transcript variants in RAS deregulation and breast cancer progression
Dylan Dues, B.S.
Thesis: Contributions of LRRK2 and alpha-synuclein in neuropathologic phenotypes of Parkinson’s disease
Lauren Duimstra
Thesis: Defining the impact of environmental nutrients on T cell function
Joe Floramo, M.S.
Thesis: Polysumoylation’s role in skeletal development and homeostasis
Cameron Forton
Ellen Griggs, B.S.
Thesis: The combined effect of maternal obesity and autism spectrum disorder-associated genetic mutations on neurodevelopment.
Lauren Harmon, B.S.
Thesis: Genetic epidemiology of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Rachel (Rae) House
Thesis: Identification and exploitation of metabolic reprogramming in NF1-mutant breast cancer
Vanessa Howland
Thesis: Exploring the pathophysiology of TMEM230 in Parkinson’s disease
Leena Kariapper, M.Sc.
Thesis: Investigating Setdb1-mediated endogenous retrotransposon silencing
Alysa Kasen
Thesis: Identifying structural determinants of tau pathology seeding
Ariana Kupai
Thesis: Defining molecular determinants of methyllysine-driven interactions
Yanqing Liu
Thesis: Mechanisms and therapeutic vulnerabilities of DNMTi-associated epigenetic plasticity
Mitch McDonald
Thesis: Mechanisms and therapeutic vulnerabilities of DNMTi-associated epigenetic plasticity
Lauren McGee
Thesis: Identifying pathways of therapy resistance in NF1-related MPNST
Brandon Oswald
Thesis: Caloric restriction in mice increases the functionality of T cells, offsetting tumor burden
Andrea Parham
Thesis: m6A RNA methylation: a new perspective on non-Mendelian phenotypic variation
Jae Min (Jamie) Park
Alfredo Reyes Oliveras
Thesis: Linking glycosylation changes in pancreatic cancer with metabolic dependencies
April Rickle
Thesis: Impact of toxins and nutrients on brain function and development
Nathan Spix
Thesis: Deep molecular characterization of DNA methylation in human colorectal cancer
Bailey Tibben, B.S.
Thesis: Molecular mechanisms of DNMT3B recruitment and activity at gene bodies
Xinyu Ye
Natasha Zandstra
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Student Support Services
We are deeply committed to supporting our Ph.D. candidates throughout their time at the Institute, both in and out of the classroom. This comprehensive, personalized approach to student support is central to our mission of training the biomedical research leaders of tomorrow.
Orientation & Onboarding
• Welcoming new students to Van Andel Institute Graduate School
• Acclimating to the Institute
• Establishing expectations
• Building community with the cohort
• Assisting with housing search and other personal support by connecting students with a housing specialist
• Assigning of senior students as peer mentors
• Intensive introductions to VAI research community including lab leaders (PI meetings)
• Assisting international students in conjunction with Immigration Specialist and Director of Enrollment ManagementIndividual Advising
• Providing individual holistic advising to students
• Assisting students in connecting them to internal and external resources
• Offering conflict resolution and mediation
• Including personal support and guidance with matters inside and outside of the InstituteCommunity Building Activities
• Social events hosted by Graduate Student Association
• Monthly coffee chat
• Monthly first-year meetingsConnect with VAI faculty and students
We invite all prospective students to connect with current VAI students and staff via our chat platform. Get your questions answered and make a new friend!
Chat with a VAI student or staff memberMental Health and Wellness
• Annual Wellness Week for students
• Referrals to community resources for mental health and wellness
• Introduction to Encompass (VAI’s employee assistance program)Career Exploration, Planning and Preparation
• CV, résumé and/or cover letter development and review
• Job search support
• Use of myIDP and personal coaching
• Career day and exploration activities
• Connections with alumni
• Use of StrengthsFinderProfessional Development
• Individual professional advising
• On-site professional development workshops
• Curriculum track within the Ph.D. program specific to professional development
• Internships and externships
Graduate Student Association
Graduate Student Association (GSA)
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) helps foster a sense of community and camaraderie among VAI’s student community. All Van Andel Institute Graduate School students and visiting graduate students may be members. The GSA Leadership Council comprises four elected students who currently hold Ph.D. candidate status. Members of the leadership council serve two-year terms.
GSA activities include:
- Monthly chalk talks
- GSA Annual Retreat, which includes social and professional activities
- Fostering involvement in the larger VAI research community (such as the annual VAI Scientific Retreat)
- Hosting regular social activities throughout the academic year
- Hosting a welcome mixer during orientation
- Pairing second-year students (prior to comprehensive exams) with more senior students as comprehensive exam coaches
Leadership Council
Shelby Compton
Thesis: Investigating the mechanisms of LKB1-mediated inflammation in tumor progression
Nadia Dehghani, B.Sc.
Thesis: Genetic characterization of dementia in a Turkish cohort
Leena Kariapper, M.Sc.
Thesis: Investigating Setdb1-mediated endogenous retrotransposon silencing
Alfredo Reyes Oliveras
Thesis: Linking glycosylation changes in pancreatic cancer with metabolic dependencies
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Living in Grand Rapids
Making the move to a new city is exciting, but also comes with many considerations. What is the cost of living? What is the city like? Where should you live?
We’re here to make it easy. Learn more about what Grand Rapids and West Michigan offer, and check out the estimated living expenses information below.
Estimated Living Expenses for a Graduate Student
Students in the Graduate School’s doctoral program are supported by institutional fellowships for five years, which include a stipend of approximately $36,000 per year as well as health, dental and vision insurance for the student (and spouse/dependents). The Graduate School also provides a laptop computer and up to $2,000 per year to attend scientific conferences.