What do you know about our faculty?
The interviewers want to ensure you're applying to their program because you're familiar with their institution and faculty. Answering knowledgeably shows the interview panel that you applied to their program for specific reasons.
Research the program's faculty before the interview so you are familiar with the faculty. When answering, make sure you pronounce names correctly and indicate that you're aware of major accomplishments and current research projects being handled by faculty. If you have a personal connection with any of the program's faculty, now is the time to mention that.
"I was really impressed with your program's faculty. Dr. Smith'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 patients with neuromuscular disorders, which is actually what inspired my own research goals."
