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�鶹ӳ�� science students have a new pathway to advanced research training and careers in science and medicine through an articulation agreement with the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

The agreement provides qualifying �鶹ӳ�� graduates with direct admission to the Jacobs School’s biochemistry master’s program, helping students plan their next step toward careers in industry, government laboratories or further study.

“This agreement gives our students a clear next step as they consider how to build on their �鶹ӳ�� education,” said Dr. Xiao-Ning Zhang, professor of Biology, director of the Biochemistry program and coordinator for Early College Access at �鶹ӳ��. “For students who want to deepen their research experience, prepare for doctoral study or strengthen their preparation for medical school, it creates an exciting opportunity to pursue those goals.”

�鶹ӳ�� students apply during their senior year and enter the master’s program after completing their undergraduate degree. Eligible majors include Biology, Biochemistry and Bioinformatics.

To qualify, students must earn an overall GPA of at least 3.4 and a GPA of at least 3.0 in natural sciences courses. Applicants also must submit a personal statement and two letters of recommendation and complete at least one semester of undergraduate laboratory research or equivalent experience.

The pathway provides �鶹ӳ�� students with defined admission requirements to pursue as they explore their academic and career interests. Students considering graduate study can use those requirements to guide conversations with faculty about coursework, research experience and preparation for life after graduation.

At the Jacobs School, students can pursue research interests ranging from DNA replication and cancer to structural biology, which examines the three-dimensional shapes of molecules. The biochemistry master’s program includes individual training with faculty members to help students develop as scientists.

Graduates may pursue positions in industry or government laboratories, continue into doctoral programs or use their graduate education and research experience to strengthen medical school applications. Admission to the master’s program does not guarantee admission to the Jacobs School’s biochemistry doctoral program.

�鶹ӳ�� and the Jacobs School collaborated to develop the direct-admission pathway. Dr. D. Fernando Estrada, associate professor and director of graduate studies in UB’s Department of Biochemistry, visited �鶹ӳ�� to introduce the opportunity to undergraduate science students and plans to return annually.

Students can contact Zhang at xzhang@sbu.edu for more information.

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�鶹ӳ�� the university: The nation’s first Franciscan university, �鶹ӳ�� is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. In its 2027 rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked �鶹ӳ�� No. 19 overall, No. 10 for Best Undergraduate Teaching and No. 25 for value among regional universities in the North. Niche ranked �鶹ӳ�� No. 15 among the Best Catholic Colleges in America and No. 2 among Catholic colleges in New York for 2027.

Generative AI may have assisted in the preparation of this story. A member of �鶹ӳ��’s Marketing and Communications team reviewed, edited, verified and approved the final content.