Dontae Mosley had ambitions of pursuing a master’s degree, but he didn’t think it was financially feasible at the time. However, a chance encounter with Greg Buhrman, former coordinator of NC State University’s Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master’s Program, changed everything for him. Buhrman explained how the program could support students like Mosley with financial assistance for tuition and other expenses, leading Mosley to apply for the program in 2019.
The Interdisciplinary Biochemistry Master’s Program, launched in 2018 with funding from the National Science Foundation, aims to increase graduate school access for students and strengthen the talent pool for the growing biotechnology industry in North Carolina. The program, recruiting for the fall 2026 semester, is set to expand with a new $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, focusing on interdisciplinary research and faculty mentorship for students.
Since its inception, the program has trained 23 graduate students, with all on track to graduate this year. Many graduates have secured industry jobs, continued their education, or pursued medical school. Robert Rose, the program director and associate professor of biochemistry, emphasizes the program’s focus on interdisciplinary research to equip students with versatile skills for the evolving job market.
Moving forward, the IBMP will expand its interdisciplinary scope to include more departments within NC State and offer opportunities for master’s students to transition to the doctoral program in biochemistry. The program also aims to promote interdisciplinary research on campus and hopes to serve as a model for supporting master’s students in various departments.
For Mosley, the program provided essential support during his graduate studies, leading him to success in the biotechnology field. Now working as a research associate at AskBio, Mosley credits his research experience at NC State for paving the way for his career growth. Interested students can reach out to program directors Robert Rose and Joe Barycki for more information on how to apply.
