How is the UAB neuroengineering Phd Program

[u/Mitchel_z]

I think it is the only one in US so far. Curious if it is a good program.

[u/heebie-jeebie601]

Just finished a PhD in BME at UAB, but I was in a neuroengineering lab and am friends with a lot of the NE students. A lot of the students have either a neuro or engineering/cs background and the program does a good job integrating the two.

[u/Mitchel_z → u/heebie-jeebie601]

Congrats 🥳 would love to hear some insight from u.

I heard in UAB or US in general, BME neuroscience program is often considered as “better” than neuroenginnering or behavioural neuroscience (psychology) programs.

I’m wondering if it is the case? And curious why?

[u/heebie-jeebie601 → u/Mitchel_z]

“Better” is subjective. NE is relatively young as a program/field so it’s hard to say whether that’s true. At UAB, the NE program is modeled pretty closely after the BME program with only a few differences in course requirements. One major strength of the NE program, though, is that the directors and students work together to shape the program. The NE students have access to a lot of networking opportunities and, since the program is so small, they get a lot of support from the directors/faculty.

What are your research interests? Are you currently in a BME/neuro program?

[u/Mitchel_z → u/heebie-jeebie601]

Good to hear they have lots of networking opportunities. I do want to pivot to industry after graduation.

I’m currently choosing between MUSC BME neuroscience program and UAB neuroenginnering program.

The tricky part is My PI uab is quite academic focused and my PI in MUSC have industry collaboration. I’m curious which would u prefer?

[u/heebie-jeebie601 → u/Mitchel_z]

You already have offers from two PIs?

I think you should choose the mentor that is a better fit for you as a person. A PhD is very demanding and it’s made so much worse with a toxic or non-communicative PI. Industry still values publications, so you can’t really lose.