The goal of this long-standing program funded by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is to provide outstanding training in research skills and the scientific method to address questions in immunology and host-pathogen interaction. It fosters a team-science mindset and promotes cross-discipline interactions. Finally, it instills awareness of the role of researches in the community and develops skills to facilitate these interactions.

Trainees are prepared for productive careers in academia, industry or other science-related areas through provision of:

  1. A well-organized and integrated educational program that emphasizes the areas of microbial pathogenesis, immunology, biochemistry, genomics and molecular and cellular biology, as well as the ethical conduct of research.
  2. Training in teaching and oral presentation, including speaking to the public.
  3. Research training that is characterized by a high level of collaborative interactions by the entire program faculty.
  4. State-of-the-art and well-equipped laboratories and core research facilities.

Training Faculty

The program faculty currently consists of 14 faculty who are connected to the training program through common research interests. Program faculty have primary appointments across several departments, including the departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Translational Science, and Physics. There is significant strength in the diversity of departments represented in that it provides a broad opportunity for student training with regard to techniques and available expertise. The program faculty reflect both established and junior investigators. 

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Fast Facts

  • A strong and sustained record of success with regard to trainee productivity (average 4.8 publications), time to degree completion (average 5.0 years), and placement in science-intensive careers
  • Participation in interactive trainee career development workshops that provide trainees with insights into the experiences and decisions that define a wide range of careers in basic and applied research, teaching, patent law, science journalism and science administration
  • Opportunity for community outreach and public engagement, which instills the importance and responsibility of scientists to communicate science to the public
  • Opportunities for structured internship experiences to expand training and enhance career development in public health sciences, technology commercialization, clinical microbiology, and education