Research Induction Symbolizes Doctoral Students’ Rite of Passage

By Jon Parham

 Cherri Shireman receives her white lab coat from advisor Jean McSweeney, Ph.D., (right) and nursing science program director Elaine Souder, Ph.D., R.N.
Cherri Shireman receives her white lab coat from advisor Jean McSweeney, Ph.D., (right) and nursing science program director Elaine Souder, Ph.D., R.N.

Oct. 6, 2010 | Twenty-nine doctoral candidates at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) received white lab coats in a ceremony symbolizing their next step toward achieving their degrees.

The Graduate School Research Induction Ceremony, held Sept. 27, marked a formal transition for the students upon passing their candidacy exam. The exam follows the first two years of graduate school, which is mostly in the classroom, said Graduate School Dean Robert E. McGehee, Ph.D. Now the students begin work toward their more research-focused doctoral dissertation.

“At this point, these candidates know more about a broad range of topics than they ever will in their entire life,” said McGehee. “This step moves the doctoral candidate out of the classroom and embarks them on something they’ve never done before.”

UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D., said the symbolism of the ceremony was important.

“Symbolism matters because of the way it represents the responsibility you are now taking on and the responsibility society places on your shoulders,” Rahn said. “Society expects you to do work that improves health and promotes a better understanding of the human condition.

“Without research nothing changes, nothing gets better.”

Keynote speaker Philip Langlais, Ph.D., a professor at Old Dominion University, impressed upon the candidates the importance of research integrity and professional standards. Society needs new researchers studying the complex medical, health care and social issues, he said.

“Everyone, irrespective of discipline or position is expected to uphold the same standards of integrity and ethical behavior when conducting research or any other scholarly activity,” Langlais said. “Welcome to this honorable profession. You are needed.”

The candidates then received their coats one by one. They were helped into their coats by their advisor and their program director.

Afterward, the candidates recited an Affirmation of Scientists, pledging to “ensure that the results of my research and other scientific activities ultimately benefit humanity” and to “become a worthy role model deserving of respect by those who follow me.”

The doctoral candidates represented 12 programs: biochemistry and molecular biology, bioinformatics, cellular physiology and molecular biophysics, communication sciences and disorders, health promotion and prevention research, health systems research, interdisciplinary biomedical sciences, interdisciplinary toxicology, microbiology and immunology, neurobiology and developmental sciences, nursing science, and pharmacology.

Upon passing the candidacy exam, doctoral candidates have seven years to complete their dissertation, a document submitted in support of a candidate receiving their degree that presents their research findings.