Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology, Microbiology and Virology - ESKAPE Pathogens, Hard To Treat Infections and Drug Resistant Organisms

The Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology (IMV) Program is designed for students interested in obtaining a Ph.D. in Microbiology & Immunology. We offer in-depth coursework and diverse research opportunities that focus on immunology, microbiology and virology. The flexibility of our training program allows students to train in a number of exciting research areas including: cancer, autoimmune disease, respiratory pathogens and often allows students to develop highly effective interdisciplinary collaborations, resulting in cutting edge thesis projects. Housed in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology PhD Program (IMV) houses a diverse group of faculty with expertise in bacteriology, virology, fungi, and immunology.
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is focused on research and educational programs which relate to microbial pathogens (viruses and prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbes) and the host immune defenses which protect against these organisms. Current research emphasizes cutting-edge molecular techniques and includes, but is not limited to, studies on: autoimmunity, biodefense, bioinformatics, biofilms, cancer biology, gene therapy, genetics and genomics, HIV/AIDS, immunologic mechanisms, respiratory pathogens (including influenza) and vaccine development.
The ESKAPE pathogens comprise the 6 bacterial pathogens considered to be of greatest healthcare concern by the Infectious Diseases Society of America, because of their high burden of disease and frequent ability to evade currently used antibiotics. Chief among these is Staphylococcus aureus, which is the focus of several faculty laboratories, interested in establishing bacterial determinants of virulence as well as new targets for antimicrobial therapy. Other ESKAPE pathogens under investigation include Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enterobacterial species. Additional research focuses on Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as well as fungal species that a major cause of disease among medically immune suppressed persons, and polymicrobial infection.