PhD Conferred on Michael Smith

Michael Smith, PhD defended his dissertation, Rand51 interacts with the DNA damage checkpoint to regulate increased global mobility of chromosomes, on August 15, 2017 and received his

A man dressed in graduate robes stands in front of a sign that says "Department of Genetics & Development, Columbia University Medical Center."

Michael Smith, PhD May 13, 2018

degree in the October conferral, but he's marching this week in official ceremonies, and having fun celebrating his achievement. 

"It was a great day!" Michael said of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences official commencement, which happened yesterday. "I strongly recommend all graduating students try to find the time to participate in the commencement ceremonies."

Posing in full regalia beside the Department sign opposite the elevators on the 16th floor of Hammer Health Sciences building has become a tradition for our graduates, and Dr. Smith was kind enough to share this photo with us. Dr. Smith is very familiar with this location as he works in Rothstein Lab, where he is now a Postdoctoral Scientist.

PhD candidates who wish to participate in May graduation do not have to schedule their Dissertation Defense at any particular time. If a candidate has already scheduled a defense any time before October, she may march in the May ceremonies. In addition, any student who has successfully defended in the past twelve months is eligible to march. 

The Department would like to also offer our congratulations to Yelena Zhuravlev, PhD, Sedef Tinaztepe, PhD, and Kyle Kaniecki, PhD who received their degrees earlier this year. Best wishes to our alumnae/i and all the graduates from other departments.