In order to further strengthen faculty and student interaction in the PhD program as well as maximize advising opportunities for our junior faculty, students in their third year are required to identify a primary and secondary thesis advisor within the Department of Biostatistics as well as two or three faculty members from outside the Department to serve as a "PhD committee." This committee meets at least once per year to review student progress and to provide a brief report to the graduate program and student. Students present thesis progress using appropriate written or visual aids and obtain feedback and suggestions to enhance their research productivity. These meetings also stimulate dialogue within the department and with outside faculty who participate. While it is anticipated that students will draw from this committee for their thesis readers, it is not required that they do so.

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