Program builds bridge from physics, math to biology
Beginning next fall, the University will host a new program ? titled "Interfaces in Science" ? to train physical and mathematical science graduate students in the interdisciplinary field of biological research.The program ? which will involve 10 graduate or postdoctoral students at one time ? will be funded for its first five years by a $2.5-million grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, a foundation dedicated to advancing medical research.The program's main goal will be to educate students who exhibit impressive quantitative skills on how to put those skills to use in biology.According to program co-director John Hopfield, a University molecular biology professor, it is often difficult for students who have majored in more quantitative fields ? such as applied math or physics ? to enter into research as biological scientists."Often there is too big an entry barrier into the biology field," said Hopfield, whose original training was in physics.




