Each student is advised by a three-member faculty committee that meets with the student immediately upon entry into the training program to outline a suitable course curriculum and the initial lab rotations. The student's progress through the first year is monitored by a review of the lab rotation reports, and an interview with the student to determine his/her plans for establishing a permanent research base. When the student chooses a major research advisor, the composition of the committee is adjusted to form the likely nucleus of future committees for the preliminary and final thesis examinations, and for evaluating the student's continuing progress.