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Welcome to the Department of Microbiology & Immunology

Student Perspectives

Photo of Kendra Bussey, Ph. D. "My interest in emerging diseases and the available laboratories made joining the MBI program an easy decision. The graduate program here was excellent; the most memorable aspects for me are the collaborative environment and the open-door policy of my advisor and thesis committee."

- Kendra Bussey -

Photo of Donna Davidson "I participated in the GEBS Summer Scholars program at the University of Rochester while I was an undergrad and I knew this was the place for me. I was so excited to join the Microbiology and Immunology program, and I am glad that I did."

- Donna Davidson -

Photo of Anthony Gaca " My experience so far in the graduate program has been exceptional. The faculty in the IMV program is genuinely vested in the success of its students and is always available to provide support."

- Anthony Gaca -

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 in the fields of Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology. In particular, our research interests focus on topics such as Anti-infectives &
Drug Discovery, Autoimmunity, Biodefense& Respiratory Pathogens , Cancer, Cell Biology, ESKAPE Pathogens, Hard-To-Treat Infections & Drug Resistant Organisms, Genetics, Genomics & Metagenomics, HIV/AIDS, Immune Regulation & Immunologic Mechanisms, Molecular Basis of Microbial Pathogenesis, Vaccine Biology.

Recent Press Releases:

December 27, 2011

Portrait of David Topham, Ph. D.

URMC Lung Research Awarded $4.7M to Establish a Respiratory Pathogens Research Center

The University of Rochester Medical Center has been awarded $4.7 million from the Federal government, with several options for additional funding, to establish a center to study the germs that cause lung disease.

November 22, 2011

World AIDS Day - Pink Ribbon

URMC Marks World AIDS Day with Symposium, Concert, Vigils

The University of Rochester Medical Center’s Developmental Center for AIDS Research (D-CFAR), the Rochester Victory Alliance (RVA) and other community groups have teamed up to sponsor a day of events on Thursday, Dec. 1.

November 2, 2011

Photo of Handy Gelbard, Steve Dewhurst, and Burns Blaxall

Scientists Explore Whether What Heals the Head Can Also Heal the Heart

A diverse group of scientists – experts in cardiology, neurology, immunology, microbiology and chemistry – are teaming up to study drugs that show promise in the treatment of dementia for the treatment of an equally debilitating disease – heart failure.

October 11, 2011

Follicular Lymphoma

Scientists Look to Immune System to Handle Follicular Lymphoma

University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found more evidence that T cells going awry in the microenvironment – or the tissue immediately surrounding the tumor – may play a role in the biology of follicular lymphoma (FL).

September 9, 2011

Photo of pills spilled from a pill bottle

Martinez-Sobrido awarded ASM International Professorship

Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, N.Y., was granted an ASM International Professorship for Latin America and the Caribbean to teach a course entitled "Influenza virus: experimental tools and methods in collaboration" with host Gilma Sanchez-Burgos at the Regional Research Center of University of Yucatan, Mexico.

ASM News - Microbe Magaine. (2011) ASM International Professorships

To see older press releases, please click here.