Spring 2023 master’s and doctoral students celebrate commencement
The College of Medicine graduated 16 doctoral candidates and 98 master’s students May 4
May 4, 2023 — When Natalie Atyeo, D.M.D., Ph.D. ’23, became a student at the UF College of Dentistry, she found that she missed having opportunities to conduct research. During her second year, she decided to enroll in the College of Medicine’s Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, joining the immunology and microbiology concentration. Throughout her D.M.D.-Ph.D. training, Atyeo combined her passion for science and patient care by studying viral infections in the oral cavity in the lab of Bernadett Papp, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the College of Dentistry.
“I came into the Ph.D. program knowing nothing about grant writing and having minimal bench skills in terms of laboratory research,” Atyeo said. “Dr. Papp really taught me hands-on how to do experiments, and not just how to do them but why I’m doing them. I feel much more confident coming out of the Ph.D. program after being in her lab. I’ve had amazing support both in the College of Medicine and in the College of Dentistry, allowing me to do both degrees at the same time and helping me create a unique path. I think it’s given me the best kind of educational experience possible.”
Atyeo, along with 15 other doctoral candidates and 98 master’s students, crossed the stage at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on May 4, becoming spring 2023 graduates of the UF College of Medicine.
Each semester, the students and their families are invited to a brunch reception where the graduates are recognized by their mentors during commencement weekend. During the spring 2023 reception, graduates and their mentors reflected on the moments of growth and opportunities they experienced over the past several years.
At the reception, Thomas Rowe, Ph.D., the associate dean for graduate education, thanked the faculty, staff, friends and family who supported and encouraged the class of 2023.
“All our new graduates are in really great positions — you have the skills, knowledge and insight that will allow you to be successful in whatever it is you do,” Rowe said. “Congratulations on making it through your programs.”
