Innovative research, discovery and education

Embedded in a culture that values training and education, be they in a formal classroom setting for professional and graduate students, at the laboratory bench, or one-on-one instruction and mentoring.

Lab member perfoming lab tests

Finding a Career Path Through Pathogens

The microbiology and immunology program studies human bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan pathogens at the molecular and cellular level, including their molecular structures, life cycles, and mechanisms of pathogenesis. From the classroom to the lab bench – combined with one-on-one instruction and mentoring – our integrated curriculum will greatly appeal to pre-health professional students who wish to pursue careers in microbiology research and clinical laboratory microbiology. 

Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities

Immunology is paving the way for treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and muscular dystrophy, as well as autoimmune disorders and transplantation. Our research combines basic and translational science topics with an emphasis on cancer biology, microbial pathogenesis, emerging microbial infections and biodefense. Areas of particular interest include the development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. New microbes are being discovered, and we are finding new relationships between the microbial world and an array of human diseases.

David AuCoin, professor and chair of microbiology and immunology, leads a team that has developed a rapid test to diagnose melioidosis, a devastating bacterial infection that kills 100,000 people every year.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities