The University of Arizona

Date: Dec 31 1969
Major: Biology (This Major's Salary over time)
I am an international student. I completed my master's at another University and then transferred to this umbrella program ABBS that would lead to a PhD degree in one of the participating disciplines like Mol. cell bio, genetics, cell and mol medicine, etc. This was one of my greatest mistake of my life thus far. I should have done what my other colleagues had done- worked for the industry. I don't have the space to write my whole story but I would say that this program at least is not meant for international students. Professors are not helpful, considerate or even understanding. I didn't care about the compensation. I was willing to work for free and enhance my learning at the same time, but there is a lot of politics in the department. This has put me in a very desperate state. Professors promise something and then fail to keep them by citing BS reasons like funding or the lack of motivation from students. False charges could be made against you just to remove you from the program. My advice to all you students out there is not to join this program or any of the participating departments. This program is dead as far as doing good science is concerned and of course funding and politics are a major problem therefore reputed professors like Dr. Roy Parker have chosen to join other universities. I don't have one professor whom I can go and talk to and request for help. There are a lot of gossip mongering professors and they are easily influenced by the opinion of others. I implore you all not to chose this program not because of my experience. I am not the only one who has gone through this. I am just not afraid to write my experience since I am out of the program now. There was another student who after being in this program for 2 years had to take a transfer to another university. She was lucky to have received a Masters degree from here before she left. I hope people who are already in the program are able to complete their thesis before they begin losing their peace of mind. Good luck !!!!