Dr. David Van Vactor

Professor

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Biography

David Van Vactor is a Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Biological Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program. His laboratory focuses on understanding the development, maintenance, and plasticity of neuromuscular connectivity using the model organism Drosophila. His research includes genome-wide enhancer/suppressor screens to define the molecular machinery controlling neuromuscular junction development. This work has led to the identification of multiple translational regulators and microRNA genes. The Van Vactor Lab has also collaborated with the Artavanis-Tsakonas Lab to explore age-dependent degeneration of the neuromuscular system and its implications for human diseases. He received his B.A. in Behavioral Biology from Johns Hopkins University and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Research Interests

Requirements for Harvard Medical School

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Undergraduate preparation in the sciences Biology Chemistry Physics
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • CV/Resume
  • Application fee ($105)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Division of Medical Sciences (DMS). GRE is not required and will not be considered for BBS, Immunology, and Neuroscience.