Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology, Microbiology and Virology - Genetics, Genomics and Metagenomics

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.
Microbes and viruses interact with their immediate environment and in doing so alter the expression of their own genes or those of the host. Faculty study the regulation of gene expression at all levels, including global changes in bacterial gene expression in biofilms and dental caries, cytokine and gene expression changes associated with immune cell differentiation, and the comparative genomics of Vibrio cholerae species. These studies are enhanced by the University of Rochester's state of the art Functional Genomics Center, and other recent upgrades in the Core Facilities of the Medical Center.