Molecular Virology and Microbiology (PhD)

The molecular virology and microbiology program faculty address a diverse array of contemporary issues ranging from elucidation of the molecular mechanisms governing pathogenhost interactions to the epidemiology underlying infectious diseases. Research topics include the study of gene expression, mechanisms of persistence and pathogenesis, the host immune response, and molecular-based strategies to combat infectious disease. As a result, students in the program gain a comprehensive interdisciplinary background in modern molecular virology and microbiology with a strong underpinning in molecular biology, immunology, and biochemistry. This program acts as a network to coordinate and promote collaborative basic and clinical advancement of microbiology and virology, enabling transfer of new ideas and technologies among faculty laboratories to the clinical arena.