Contact:
Dr. Victoria Connaughton
Program Director
In American University’s PhD Program in Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences, you’ll develop the cross-disciplinary expertise necessary to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from infectious diseases to food security, climate change, clean water, and more.
Addressing these issues requires a deep understanding of science and the ability to develop policies informed by science. Our PhD prepares you to bridge chemistry, environmental science, and biology with a focus on turning science into policies with impact.
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Scientific innovation and policymaking are front and center in the DC region. Our graduates find fellowships and careers at top research centers, government institutions, tech companies, and NGOs, from the National Science Foundation to the US Congress.
Our program gives you a strong interdisciplinary science background and the skills to translate that science to policy. We empower our students to become leaders in developing science-based solutions to protect public health and the environment.
At AU, you’ll enjoy an average class size of 11 students, a strong cohort of like-minded peers, and opportunities to work closely with experienced faculty mentors who have long track records of successful outcomes for their students.
Students progress through 3 phases of the program for the required 41 credits:
Visit our Admission and Course Requirements page for complete curricular and admission details, and guidance for international students.
“As a dedicated teacher-scholar with a strong record of mentorship, I am excited to be the inaugural Program Director for the BEHS doctoral program! This interdisciplinary and rigorous program builds on the longstanding collaborative environment among the Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science Departments to train students in cutting-edge scientific techniques and in translating their findings to policy development and societal issues. BEHS will be based in our new, state-of-the-art Hall of Science, which is centered on our campus, in the heart of the nation’s capital. Our goal is to empower successful graduates so they can leverage their scientific, ethical, and multidisciplinary training to address current pressing issues about the environment and human health.”
—Victoria Connaughton, Professor of Biology and BEHS Program Director
See more about faculty research in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science.
Professor Andressa Venturini studies how anthropogenic impacts reshape soil microbial communities, and what that means for environmental and human health — see recent Nature paper.
Professor Matthew Hartings and his student researchers have major projects in lab: developing new materials for 3D printing and evaluating chemicals in our food that affect flavor experiences.
Professor Anny Cárdenas co-led a study published in Science advances that identified microbial groups and functional traits linked to thermally tolerant corals.
Browse our facilities gallery or take a virtual tour of our location in the Hall of Science building with research and teaching labs, microscopy center, and meeting spaces for the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Neuroscience.
American University's PhD program in Biomedical and Environmental Health Sciences distinguishes itself as a doctoral program by focusing on the application of scientific results to policies that work to solve some of the world’s most critical problems.
A strong, rigorous background in the scientific method, design, and analysis
Training in responsible conduct of research, mentoring, and teaching
Cross-disciplinary expertise across chemistry, environmental science, and the biological sciences
Proficiency in recognizing the societal impact of scientific findings
Skill in translating your results to policies related to the environment and/or human health
Interdisciplinary research-based skills as well as communication skills
Enhanced critical thinking, comprehensive understanding of complex issues from different perspectives, leadership, and teamwork skills
DC connections and the reach of American University’s network
Ready to dive in?
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