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, HIVAIDS, immunologic mechanisms, respiratory pathogens (including influenza) and vaccine development.Interactions of respiratory pathogens with the host respiratory environment can lead to severe life-threatening infections or chronic debilitating infections that persist for years. Severe infections are often the result of synergistic interactions between bacterial and viral pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Chronic lung infections such as Cystic Fibrosis are often polymicrobial infections of multiple bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Hemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. Multiple faculty study RSV, influenza virus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Pneumocystis carinii. Investigators are exploring mechanisms of virulence as well as development of vaccines.
