Astrobiology and Prebiotic Chemistry

Can you model and are also interested in the wet lab? Want to do a PhD on the Origin of Life? I have a fully-funded project in my lab at UTRGV consisting of coupling prebiotic chemistry to membrane biophysics to study primitive Darwinian evolution. The central question is 'How did evolution work before genes?'.

This project sits at the cutting edge of what is known about the limits of evolution in chemical systems devoid of genetic material. The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Camprubi at the Departments of Biology and Chemistry and by another faculty member at the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

We are in the southernmost tip of Texas: palm trees everywhere and amazing Mexican cuisine. Join us!

Anticipated state date: 09/01/2023

The project is roughly 60% experimental and 40% modeling. The PhD student will need to demonstrate substantial knowledge and expertise in both areas. The main focus on the project revolves around the central question of the Origin of Life, but the results will be useful for a plethora of applied endeavors. The PhD student will be an extremely self-motivated person who enjoys team-working. Presenting at international conferences will also be expected.

Program Requirements for Students with a Bachelor’s Degree. Students admitted with a bachelor’s degree will complete a minimum of 72 hours to earn the PhD in MSIA as follows:    

- Required Core Courses – 12 hours    

- Prescribed Electives – 15 hours  

- Interdisciplinary Courses – 9 hours    

- Dissertation/Seminar/Interdisciplinary Courses – 36 hours

Program Requirements for Students with Master’s DegreeStudents admitted with a master’s degree will complete a minimum of 57 hours to earn the PhD in MSIA as follows:    

- Required Core Courses – 6 hours  

- Prescribed Electives – 6 hours    

- Interdisciplinary Courses – 9 hours    

- Dissertation/Seminar/Interdisciplinary Courses – 36 hours

In addition to general requirements of admissions to the UTRGV Graduate College, the doctoral program in Mathematics and Statistics with Interdisciplinary Applications will also require:  

B.S. or B.A. in a STEM field or related field, with at least 3 advanced undergraduate courses in Mathematics from the following areas:

- Linear Algebra, Differential Equations Modern Algebra I, Real Analysis I, Probability and Statistics Complex Variables or earned a Master's degree in Mathematics or a related field from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related field with at least 3 undergraduate classes as given above;  

- TOEFL score of 79 or better for international students if the medium of instruction in their bachelors or master’s program was not English;    

- GRE General Test is required and the GRE Subject test in Mathematics is recommended;    

- Three letters of recommendation.    

- CV    

- Personal Statement

The program will accept part-time students as well as transfer students from other graduate programs. Transfer of graduate credit based on policies set out by the UTRGV Graduate College.

For more information please see https://www.utrgv.edu/graduate/for-future-students/graduate-programs/program-requirements/mathematics-and-statistics-with-interdisciplinary-applications-phd/index.htm, or contact Dr. Camprubi at eloi.camprubicasas _ at _ utrgv.edu