What do you know about our faculty?
The interviewers want to ensure you're applying to their program because you're familiar with, and interested in, their specific institution and faculty. Answering knowledgeably shows the interview panel that you applied to their program for specific reasons, not just to case a wide net.
Research the program's faculty before the interview. When answering, make sure you pronounce names correctly and give specifics that indicate you're aware of their major accomplishments and current/past research projects. If you have a personal connection with any of the program's faculty, now is a good time to mention that.
"I was really impressed with your program's faculty. Dr. Lei's research on the mechanisms involved in recovery from lung injury is intriguing, and I have spent some time reading the last few articles he published. I also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Lu at a conference last year. She was so knowledgeable about chronic respiratory failure in NICU patients, which is actually what inspired my own research goals."
