Welcome to Microbiology and Immunology

The Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology offers qualified students the opportunity to earn a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology with special emphasis in the areas of bacteriology, immunology, or virology.

The program also supports the dual MD-PhD degree in Microbiology and Immunology. The MD-PhD program is a seven-year program consisting of the first three years of medical school, three years of graduate studies, and a final year of medical school. Acceptance into the MD-PhD program at UMMC requires prior admission to the medical school.

Our department emphasizes a creative research environment with close relationships between students and faculty. The low student-to-faculty ratio facilitates an exchange of ideas between students and faculty and enhances the student’s graduate training.

The department has active research programs in the fields of microbial pathogenesis, vaccine development, comparative immunology, and cellular and molecular virology that are funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Students actively participate in these research programs and present their findings at regional and national meetings. Our faculty members have been internationally, nationally as well as locally, recognized for their success in research, teaching and service. Our students have been awarded pre-doctoral fellowships and won numerous awards at national and regional meetings.

You can learn more about some of the ongoing research in the following articles:

"Antibodies and COVID-19: What you should know" - External site

"What to know about potential COVID-19 vaccines" 

"Join the Resistance: Help Defeat Superbugs."

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our program.

Brian Akerley, PhD
Associate Professor
Director, Microbiology & Immunology Graduate Program