Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology, Microbiology and Virology - Opportunistic Pathogens

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.
Opportunistic pathogens are microorganisms that usually do not cause disease in healthy hosts. However, they are often the source of opportunistic infections in hosts who are immunocompromised or when they bypass host defenses as a result of tissue damage caused by cuts, burns or surgery. Faculty research is focused on bacterial and fungal opportunistic pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumanii, Enterococcus faecalis, Pneumocystis carinii, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Investigators use biochemical, genetic and genomic approaches to study mechanisms of pathogenesis and interactions with the host.