In a move that solidifies South Jersey’s standing as a premier hub for biomedical innovation, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU) has officially launched its PhD in Cancer Cell Biology & Genomics (CCBG).
The program represents a significant “first” for the region: it is the only doctoral program in New Jersey dedicated specifically to cancer biology. By integrating the resources of Camden’s medical community, the program aims to bridge the gap between microscopic lab discoveries and life-saving patient treatments.
The program is academically housed at CMSRU but operates through a unique “tripartite partnership” that leverages three of the state’s most influential health and research institutions:
- CMSRU (Academic and administrative lead)
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research (World-renowned genomics and research leader)
- Cooper University Health Care (Leading clinical care provider)
This collaborative ecosystem, managed through the Camden Cancer Research Center (CCRC), allows students to work alongside both research scientists and bedside clinicians.
“The launch of this program marks an important milestone as our first graduate program housed here in Camden,” said Annette Reboli, MD, Dean of CMSRU. “It strengthens our ability to advance health and scientific discovery while educating researchers whose work will directly impact patient care.”
The CCBG program is designed to equip the next generation of scientists with the most advanced tools in modern medicine. Students will receive hands-on training in:
- CRISPR Gene Editing: To understand and correct genetic drivers of cancer.
- Single-Cell Omics: Analyzing the unique characteristics of individual cancer cells.
- Bioinformatics & Machine Learning: Using AI to sift through massive datasets for drug discovery.
- Mechanobiology: Studying how the physical forces of the body affect tumor growth and metastasis.
Darren Boehning, PhD, Director of the program and head of Biomedical Sciences at CMSRU, described the moment as “transformational.”
“Our goal is to equip students with the tools and mentorship needed to tackle the most urgent questions in cancer and translate laboratory discoveries into better treatments,” Boehning stated.
Beyond the laboratory, the launch of this PhD program carries significant weight for the state’s academic reputation.
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Carnegie R1 Status: The program supports Rowan University’s ambitious goal of achieving Carnegie R1 status, the highest designation for research activity in the U.S.
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Workforce Development: Graduates will be primed for high-impact careers in New Jersey’s robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
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Financial Support: To attract top-tier talent, doctoral students will receive a competitive initial stipend of $38,000 per year, plus tuition and benefits funded by Principal Investigators (PIs).
Looking ahead, the program is designed to eventually accommodate MD/PhD students. This dual-degree pathway will create a new class of “physician-scientists” who can treat cancer patients during the day and research the next generation of cures at night.
As initial cohorts of three to five students begin their journey in the Joint Health Sciences Center, Camden continues its evolution into a national leader for health sciences and oncology research.
