Molecular Microbiology Web Site
MERGE-ID Web Site
The Molecular Microbiology Graduate Program emphasizes the use of microbial systems to study fundamental aspects of biology, including the interaction of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The lives of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are explored in depth and in relation to their interactions with host cells and animals. By emphasizing studies at the molecular level, our program trains students to combine biochemical, genetic, structural, and genomic approaches to arrive at solutions to major biological problems.
Molecular Microbiology participates in the MERGE-ID (MEdically-oriented Research in Graduate Education) track. This program is specifically designed to provide strong training in the basic microbiology and immunology of pathogenic organisms and host responses as well as in-depth knowledge of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and epidemiology of infectious disease. This program is unique, integrating clinical studies and patient contact throughout the training period. Please visit the MERGE-ID web site for more information.
Our program focuses on areas in which we have both breadth and depth. These areas include study of the regulation of gene expression in free-living microorganisms and in microbes that are in contact with or engulfed by host cells. Faculty also focus on the interaction of microorganisms with host cells and on viral entry mechanisms and signaling. Combining structural biology, genetics and biochemistry, we can reveal detailed aspects of how viruses contact host cells and mediate infection, how these mechanisms have changed during evolutionary history, and how host cells try to combat viral infection. These mechanisms likely hold the keys to identifying targets for novel anti-infective agents.
The Molecular Microbiology Program aims to provide students with an intensive and rigorous training program in an atmosphere of strong collegiality, cooperation, and support. Our training, even though it focuses on microbial systems, has proved to prepare students for very successful careers in research and teaching in broad areas of biology.
