T32 Application Details

Fall 2026 Application

Minimum Application Requirements

U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
3.0 GPA requirement
If currently in a Bachelor's or Master's program, you must transfer to a PhD program by Fall 2026.
If you are currently in a PhD program at MTU, you must be in your first or second year of the program for Fall 2026 admission.
- Note: First-year students will be prioritized, but second-year students can apply.
Research must be conducted with a faculty member on the T32 faculty list below.
This is not an application to Michigan Tech. You must also apply to the graduate school.

How to find a PhD mentor/faculty member

Research must be conducted with a faculty member on the T32 faculty list below.
It is suggested that you contact the preceptor and express your interest in their work and in the T32 program

Otherwise, your application will not be considered for this application cycle.

Application Materials Required

T32 Application 2026 Form
- CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Personal Statement (2,000 characters, not including spaces, or around 1 page): Highlight examples of innovation, dedication, and positive team dynamics.
- Research and career plan (3,000 characters, not including spaces, or around 1 page): Include faculty that you are interested in working with.
- A nominating letter can be from MTU faculty of interest
  - Please email your letter to Amanda Gonczi at
    
    algonczi@mtu.edu
Graduate School Application Form

Application Deadline

Consideration will start on December 1st, 2025.

T32 Faculty

Participating Faculty

Weihua Zhou, Applied Computing
Paul Goetsch, Biological Sciences
Robert Larson, Biological Sciences
Xiaoqing Tang, Biological Sciences
Sangyoon Han, Biomedical Engineering
Hoda Hatoum, Biomedical Engineering
Smitha Rao Hatti, Biomedical Engineering
Jingfeng Jiang, Biomedical Engineering
Bruce Lee, Biomedical Engineering
Chunxiu (Traci) Yu, Biomedical Engineering
Christo Christov, Chemistry
Shiyue Fang, Chemistry
Tatyana Karabencheva-Christova, Chemistry
Haiying Liu, Chemistry
Marina Tanasova, Chemistry
Ashutosh Tiwari, Chemistry
Caryn Heldt, Chemical Engineering
Yixin Liu, Chemical Engineering
Adrienne Minerick, Chemical Engineering
Jiehong Guo, Civil And Environmental Engineering
Ishi Keenum, Civil And Environmental Engineering
Qinghui Chen, Kinesiology And Integrative Physiology
Carolyn Duncan, Kinesiology And Integrative Physiology
Zhiying(Jenny) Shan, Kinesiology And Integrative Physiology
Jaroslaw Drelich, Materials Science And Engineering
Sriram Malladi, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Kevin Trewartha, Psychology and Human Factors

Can students outside MTU apply?

Yes, we strongly encourage applications from students not currently at MTU. You should apply to the T32 program at the same time you apply to your PhD program of interest. Please note that acceptance into the T32 program is contingent upon your acceptance into a Michigan Tech PhD program.

Does the nominating letter have to be from an MTU faculty advisor?

a. For new applicants to MTU: While it is highly recommended to contact our faculty to discuss research interests, a nominating letter from an MTU advisor is recommended but not required. A strong letter of recommendation from a research mentor at your undergraduate or master’s institution is required. If accepted, you will be matched with a T32 mentor based on your research interests.

b. For current MTU students: The nominating letter is required and must be from your current PhD advisor, who must be an affiliated T32 preceptor.

What does highlighting examples of innovation, dedication, and positive team dynamics mean?

a. Innovation: A creative approach you took to solve a problem.

b. Dedication: A time you persevered through a challenge.

c. Team Dynamics: An instance where you successfully collaborated with others and contributed positively to a group goal.

Can I do research with an MTU faculty member who is NOT on the T32 preceptor lists?

a. No, in order to qualify for this program, you must be advised by one of the participating faculty. The list can be found on the dropdown on this page.

Can second-year students apply?

a. Yes, but first-year students will be prioritized.

Does this program fund Master's degrees?

a. No, this program only funds PhD degrees.