Callahan Rogers
Studied at University of Pennsylvania
Works at University of Pennsylvania
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About Callahan
Research has always been driven by one thing for me: the excitement of discovering something no one has ever known before. That passion led me from undergraduate research to the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and ultimately to earning admission to multiple top-10 biomedical Ph.D. programs before choosing to attend the University of Pennsylvania. I know how overwhelming the Ph.D. application process can be because I went through it recently myself. From identifying research interests and building a competitive application to writing compelling statements of purpose, preparing for interviews, and deciding between offers, I've experienced every step firsthand. My goal is to help students avoid common mistakes, highlight what makes them unique, and present themselves as future scientists—not just applicants. I work with both aspiring Ph.D. applicants and undergraduates exploring whether graduate school is the right path for them. Whether you're just beginning to think about research, deciding between a master's and a Ph.D., or applying to highly competitive programs, I'll provide honest guidance, detailed feedback, and practical strategies tailored to your goals. I want every student I work with to leave feeling more confident, more prepared, and excited about the next stage of their scientific journey.
Why do I coach?
I grew up in a small rural town where a career in research, or even pursuing a PhD, wasn't something many people around me talked about. I didn't have a roadmap for how to get from where I started to grad school. What made the difference were the mentors who believed in me, encouraged me to aim high, and took the time to teach me not only how to do research, but how to navigate the academic world. Coaching is my opportunity to pay that forward. I know how much of the admissions process can feel like hidden knowledge, especially if you don't come from a research-intensive university or have family members in academia. Having someone who has recently gone through the process can make all the difference. I love helping students discover opportunities they may not have realized were within reach and giving them the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Whether you're from a small town like I was or simply looking for guidance through a competitive admissions process, I want to help you build the strongest application possible and show admissions committees the scientist you can become.
Work Experience
PhD Candidate
University of Pennsylvania
August 2024 - Present
Research Associate
Broad Institute
June 2024 - Present
As a Research Associate in the Buenrostro lab, I will be working to develop new technologies to better understand and engineer the epigenome.
Visiting Research Fellow
Harvard University
June 2023 - August 2023
I am working as a summer researcher in Harvard Medical School's Sinclair lab, whose focus is reversing the aging process. I primarily am focused on technology development, working on applying reprogrammable Adar sensors (RADARs) to aging biology
Undergraduate Researcher
Binghamton University
August 2022 - May 2024
In my current project I study stem cells and organoid generation in the Zhang lab at Binghamton.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Binghamton University
August 2021 - May 2024
I am a teaching assistant for a large introductory biology class at Binghamton. I am responsible for answering questions during lecture and teaching material in my weekly office hours.
Education
University of Pennsylvania
PhD, Cell and Molecular Biology
2026 - 2030
Cornell University
Non-Degree Coursework, Genetics
2024 - 2024
Advanced Graduate Coursework, The Nucleus (BIOMG 6390) - Grade: A+
State University of New York at Binghamton
Bachelor of Science - BS, Biology, General
2020 - 2024