Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology, Microbiology and Virology - Vaccine Biology

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.
Vaccines represent perhaps the most cost-effective approach to improving human health and well-being, saving tens of millions of lives each year. Moreover, the UR has an impressive track record of contributing to the development of important human vaccines, including the Hemophilus influenza b (Hib) vaccine and the recently developed Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Research focuses on basic mechanisms involved in the generation of pathogen-specific immune responses as well as translationally-oriented studies that involve the derivation and testing of novel vaccines and/or vaccine delivery systems.