can you get a phd in virology

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Virology is an area of study within the Division of Medical Sciences, an administrative unit based at Harvard Medical School that coordinates biomedical PhD activities at the Longwood Medical Area. Students who study in Virology receive a PhD in medical sciences. Prospective students apply through Harvard Griffin GSAS; in the online application, select “Division of Medical Sciences” as your program choice and select "Virology" in the Area of Study menu.

Virology is one of the programs in the Harvard Integrated Life Sciences, which facilitates collaboration and cross-disciplinary research. Visit HILS for additional  application instructions .

This program is one of the few virology graduate programs in the country, and its small size provides the benefits of a smaller program, offering nearly a one-to-one ratio of students to faculty.

You will take advantage of a well-developed curriculum that focuses on analyzing, reading, and discussing papers to generate, present, and discuss research proposals. Most importantly, you will learn how to think as a scientist. You will have the opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art research involving molecular biology, cell biology of viruses, structural analysis, cryo-EM, and genomic analysis of cells and viruses.

Examples of student projects include structure and mechanism actions of antiviral antibodies, including SARS-CoV2, cellular genes that promote and inhibit viral infection, and mechanisms of viral oncogenesis.

Graduates have gone on to faculty positions at prestigious institutions such as MIT, Brandeis University, Duke University, and Yale University. Others have begun careers at leading companies like Moderna, Gilead, Pfizer, and Sanofi Pasteur.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Not Accepted GRE Subject: Not Accepted iBT TOEFL minimum score: 100 IELTS minimum score: 7

See list of Virology faculty

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Virology and Gene Therapy

Virology and gene therapy track.

faculty-to-student ratio

Bench-to-bedside thesis topics spanning basic virology and translational virology

Guaranteed 5-year internal fellowship.

includes full tuition, stipend and benefits

As outbreaks of potentially deadly diseases like influenza, Ebola or West Nile Virus continue to make headlines, so does the need to study the pathogens that cause them. Virologists play a key role in biological science, working to dissect and understand the nature of viruses and translate that knowledge into clinical practice. Discoveries over the past few decades show great promise in areas such as vaccine development, gene therapy and immunotherapy.

The Virology and Gene Therapy Track within the Ph.D. Program at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science offers a highly productive, interactive research environment for you to develop as an independent investigator. As a student, you’ll learn from and work alongside faculty members who have primary interests in virology, viral vectors and gene therapy. These areas overlap with the fields of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genetics, and immunology.

Current areas of research include:

• Molecular biology of viruses
• Mechanisms of virus-host interactions
• Gene therapy
• Oncolytic virotherapy
• Cancer immunotherapy
• Vaccine development
• Tissue engineering using viruses
• Genetic engineering using viruses

Students receive a comprehensive education in the biomedical sciences through a set of core courses. Specialized tutorials and journal clubs provide advanced training in the broad areas of molecular virology, host-cell interactions, tumor immunology, gene therapy of metabolic diseases, cancer gene therapy and vector development.

Students are introduced to the laboratories participating in the program. You have the opportunity to visit these laboratories and select three in which you spend eight weeks participating in a research project. You'll select your thesis lab in the spring.

In conjunction with the laboratory rotations, you begin fulfilling the core curriculum requirements as well as the virology and gene therapy requirements. Most students complete the core courses by the end of their first year, in addition to taking the written qualifying exam.

As a second-year student, most of your time is spent in the lab developing preliminary data toward your thesis project. By December of the second year, you draft your thesis proposal and take the oral qualifying examination on your proposal.

Second-year students also take advanced tutorials in virology and gene therapy as well as related areas.

The third and subsequent years are devoted primarily to pursuing thesis research with some additional courses.

Together with a thesis adviser, you select faculty members to participate in your thesis advisory committee. Thesis committee meetings assess the trajectory and evaluate the progress of your thesis research project on a regular basis. Upon completion, you write a thesis and present your findings in seminar form. This is followed by a thesis defense.

The Virology and Gene Therapy Track is a one-of-a-kind program that spans basic research in viral vectors to downstream analysis of clinical trial samples. This track prepares you to gain a solid understanding of virology as well as preclinical and clinical product development. Students in this track have a unique opportunity to see firsthand how academia interfaces with clinical, biotechnical and industrial interests to bring the next therapeutics from concept to patient bedside.

Justin Maroun M.D.-Ph.D. student, Virology and Gene Therapy Track

Mayo Clinic offered me the unique opportunity to study the biology of viruses and how to genetically alter them to become gene therapy vectors for my graduate studies. Mayo is probably is the only institution in the country that offers a graduate program this specialized.

Jeffrey Rubin Ph.D. student, Virology and Gene Therapy Track

I chose the Virology and Gene Therapy Track based on my interest in molecular virology and infectious disease. Our faculty not only has expertise in molecular virology, but we have experts in the field of oncolytic virotherapy and gene therapy as well. We also have access to patient samples, collaborations across the institution, and phenomenal core facilities.

Crystal Mendoza Ph.D. student, Virology and Gene Therapy Track

I was a tech at Mayo before transitioning to graduate school. I witnessed firsthand the value of having research buildings located alongside clinic buildings. Collaboration exists not only across departments but also within the clinic. We have clinicians attend our lab meetings, and I have clinicians on my thesis committee to help guide my research into actual treatments.

Christopher Driscoll Ph.D. student, Virology and Gene Therapy Track

Recent thesis topics

• “Use of Glucokinase Gene Delivery to Enhance Beta-Cell Proliferation and Function,” Brian Lu, Ph.D. (Mentor: Yasuhiro Ikeda, Ph.D.)
• “Sensing of HIV-1 by the Innate Immune System,” Swati Kumar, Ph.D. (Mentor: David Dingli, M.D., Ph.D.)
• “The Innate Immune System is a Major Determinant for Successful Oncolytic Measles Virotherapy," Cheyne B. Kurokawa, Ph.D. (Mentor: Evanthia Galanis, M.D.)
• "The Dual Role of Perforin in the Balance Between Protection and Pathology During CNS Viral Infection and Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Disruption," Robin C. Willenbring, Ph.D. (Mentor: Aaron Johnson, Ph.D.)
• “B-type Natriuretic Peptide: Biology and Therapeutic Applications," Sara J Holditch, Ph.D. (Mentor: Yasuhiro Ikeda, Ph.D.)
• “Evaluation of Viral Gene Expression and E3 Immunomodulatory Functions of Adenovirus Serotype 26 to Inform Vector Design for Cancer Therapy," Mallory A. M. Turner, Ph.D. (Mentor: Michael Barry, Ph.D.)
• "Characterizing and Advancing Oncolytic Measles Virus Therapy Against Lymphoma," Tanner S. Miest, M.D., Ph.D. (Mentor: Roberto Cattaneo, Ph.D.)
• "Engineering and Development of Single Cycle Adenovirus Vectors as Mucosal Vaccination Platforms," Catherine M. Crosby, Ph.D. (Mentor: Michael Barry, Ph.D.)

Your future

Many graduates of the Virology and Gene Therapy Track choose to pursue postdoctoral training regardless of whether they intend to pursue careers in academia or industry. Other students choose to enter advanced training programs like clinical microbiology and biochemical genetics programs.

After graduating from the program, you could also choose to pursue a career in education, scientific writing and editing, or become a scientific grant program officer. Several students from our laboratories have become tenured faculty and leaders in industry and in foundations.

Meet the director

Welcome to the Virology and Gene Therapy track at Mayo Clinic — a leading medical institution where you’ll receive training from some of the world’s brightest, most-distinguished scientists and physicians.

Our program works with other research and clinical programs at Mayo to facilitate rapid bench-to-bedside translation as well as easy access to clinical samples.

Our mission is to provide high-quality education you won’t find anywhere else.

Michael Barry, Ph.D. Virology and Gene Therapy Track Director Professor of Medicine Phone: 507-266-9090 Email: [email protected] See research interests

Browse a list of Virology and Gene Therapy Track faculty members

Virology (PhD) Graduate Programs

Interested in virology (phd) graduate programs.

The Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics provides training in the study of viruses as well as in the use of viral models to investigate basic problems in molecular genetics. The program is designed for students interested in either academic careers in teaching and research or those interested in careers in related aspects of medicine and industry. Research training is offered in viral genetics and physiology, viral pathogenesis, viral replication, molecular biology of viral pathogens, vaccine and therapeutic development, and the structural biology of viruses and viral macromolecular complexes. State-of-the-art Emory University-wide core facilities support the work of many of the laboratories. Model viral systems including Adenoviruses, Avian Sarcoma and Leukosis Virus (ASLV), Chikungunya virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Dengue virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and murine gamma herpesvirus 68, Filoviruses, Herpesvirus, Hepatitis B and C viruses, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1)/Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), Influenza viruses, Measles virus, Polyomaviruses, Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), Rhinoviruses, Vaccinia virus, West Nile virus (WNV) are used to explore this exciting field.

Educational and Research Opportunities

The graduate experience in the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program (MMG) begins with an introduction to the faculty, current students, and their research through a series of short talks, discussions, and a poster session. The students then choose the first of three research rotations which are designed to give the student exposure to various research areas and techniques before choosing a direction and laboratory for their thesis research. In the first and second years, students also participate in courses which prepare them for analyzing, critiquing, and presenting research in the areas of bacterial genetics, biochemistry, microbial pathogenesis, molecular genetics in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, immunology, and molecular mechanisms for DNA rearrangements and gene regulation.

MMG graduate students are afforded the opportunity to teach for one semester in their second year; all students are prepared for this experience by attending a symposium on teaching strategies, techniques, and ethics. Journal clubs, seminars, and attending international meetings contribute to the graduate educational experience. Students usually complete their graduate work in four to five years and then move on to excellent postdoctoral positions enroute to academic, industry, and government research positions.

Research Environment

The research environment in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is strongly interactive among different laboratories. There is Core support from the University for key technologies, including protein analysis, bioinformatics, and molecular modeling, electron and confocal microscopy, and a transgenic mouse facility. An NIH Training Grant has been awarded to us to train pre-and post-doctoral students in Molecular Mechanisms of Microbial Pathogenesis.

The research groups in the MMG Program are supportive of one another and students in the Program profit from the advice of faculty and postdoctoral associates in many different laboratories. Because the Program is Interdepartmental, it benefits from faculty with different backgrounds and the research labs are located at the main University campus, the Vaccine Center on the nearby Emory National Primate Research Center, the Veterans Administration Hospital facility, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All buildings are within a 15-minute walk of each other and are connected by shuttle bus service.

Campus Life

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta in the tree-lined suburban neighborhood of Druid Hills, Emory University is positioned along the Clifton Corridor, which also includes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Cancer Society.

Emory University is home to nine major academic divisions, numerous centers for advanced study, and a host of prestigious affiliated institutions. In addition to Emory College, the University encompasses a graduate school of arts and sciences; professional schools of medicine, theology, law, nursing, public health, and business; and Oxford College, a two-year undergraduate division on the original campus of Emory in Oxford, Ga.

Emory was founded at Oxford by the Methodist Church in 1836. The University has 11,300 students and 2,500 faculty members who represent all regions of the United States and more than 100 foreign nations.

More info about Atlanta

Molecular Virology

About the Program

Study the viral life cycle or the comorbidities initiated by viral infection when you pursue your PhD in Molecular Virology at Case Western Reserve, one of the top research universities in the U.S. Our interdisciplinary approach to biomedical sciences, through our Biomedical Sciences Training Program , allows you to focus on molecular virology while also taking electives in related disciplines. With that background, you’ll have a strong foundation to pursue a career as a scientist in the biotech field, work as a technical specialist, or continue on to a postdoctoral fellowship. Plus, Cleveland is a great place to advance your career—there are more than 700 biotechnology and biomedical companies in town as well as four top medical institutions.

Student Resources

Whether you’re looking for information about education abroad opportunities, have questions about visas, or are interested in international opportunities on campus, these quicklinks will help you quickly navigate some of the key resources our website offers for students.

What to Expect

Start your coursework in cell and molecular biology and advance from there to virology and the host response to viral infections. Smaller class sizes mean you’ll receive individualized attention and mentorship during your six years (or fewer) here.

Then put your knowledge to the test in the lab, where you’ll conduct your research. You can gain funding for HIV/AIDS research in our Center For Aids Research, which is supported through a T32 institutional research training grant. Beyond Ohio, we have an international research collaboration with colleagues in Kampala, Uganda.  

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Beyond the classroom.

As you pursue your research interests here, you’ll have opportunities to show off your work—locally and internationally. Whether you choose to go to the Gordon Conferences, the American Society for Microbiology or another convention, our faculty will be there to support you as you prepare your presentation. If you’re more interested in attending seminars rather than presenting, check out the Lester O. Krampitz Seminars and the Center For Aids Research’s Leaders in AIDS speaker program, both of which host top researchers.

You’ll also have dozens of on-campus clubs to choose from. The Bug Club, for example, hosts chats on virology, microbiology, antibiotic resistance and parasites, while other School of Medicine Journal Club participants prompt discussions on HIV/AIDs, immunology and more.  

By the Numbers

tuition coverage, including healthcare

medical research school in the nation, U.S. News & World Report

private institution in federal expenditures for research and development, National Science Foundation

in the world for contributions to innovation, Nature Index Innovation

faculty-to-student ratio

Admissions Requirements

Our program thrives when we have students with diverse perspectives and a range of educational, professional and life experiences. We look forward to learning more about you!

The application process requires:

• Online application , including a statement of purpose
• $50 application fee
• Bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree from an accredited institution (either already complete, or will be complete before you enroll)
• Unofficial transcripts
• Current resume/CV
• List of research experiences (optional)
• Three letters of recommendation
• International applicants: Results of TOEFL, IELTS or PTE  

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Immunology, Microbiology and Virology PhD Program

The application for fall 2024 is closed.

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. Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in these disciplines should  apply  to the program.

Learn more about our program Student Perspectives Alumni Perspectives

Graduate Students

Publications in 2019

What Sets Us Apart

Learn more about the core courses, electives, and lab rotations that will be part of the IMV curriculum.

We support and guide trainees in several areas of research. Browse the current research our faculty and trainees are doing by research area.

Mentor Relationships

Our students most commonly reference the personal relationships and valuable mentoring they receive as one of the top reasons why they recommend URMC.

Discover Microbiology & Immunology at URMC

Latest News

September 19, 2023 A Game Plan for Timing Your Flu, Covid and RSV Shots This Fall with Commentary by David Topham

April 17, 2023 Wilmot Researchers Discover How to Steer Army of Immune Cells toward Cancer

April 1, 2022 Who Should Get a Second Covid-19 Booster Shot?

Upcoming Events

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy for breast cancer: Lessons from epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity

Anushka Dongre, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology Cornell University

  Mon, Jun 03 @ 12:00 PM   MC | Upper Auditorium (3-7619)

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What Our Students and Alumni Say...

"The mentorship and the exceptional research experiences I had in the IMV program prepared me for my academic career. The program really does a great job of addressing many of the skills you will need to be successful once you complete your training. Aspects of the program that have been invaluable to my career were: the opportunity to present my work to an audience regularly, the exceptional classes (that I still rely on to teach my own coursework!), the responsibility of developing and completing a research project of the highest caliber and the support of the faculty in providing expert insight into my work and its potential. As a student I was held at a very high standard. I would not have been able to set up my own lab (at Rollins), make the right decisions regarding my research and the management of my lab if it weren’t for my training at UR."

Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez, PhD

Dr. Santiago-Narvaez is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She teaches courses for the Biology and Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology Majors and also has her own independent research lab.

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PhD/MPhil Medical Virology / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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We require applicants to hold, or be about to obtain, an Upper Second class Honours degree, or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK, in a related subject area for entry to a PhD programme. A Lower Second class Honours degree may be considered if applicants also hold a Master's degree with a Merit classification.

Full entry requirements

See full guidance on how to choose a project and submit an application on our websi te . You should then complete the online admissions application form to apply for this programme. Ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, or this may delay the processing of your application.

Application deadlines

You must submit your application for a postgraduate research programme before the relevant deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these deadlines have passed.

• January entry: 15 October (of the year prior entry)
• April entry: 15 January (year of entry)
• September entry: 15 June (year of entry)

Programme options

Programme overview.

• Learn from some of Europe's leading researchers while undertaking your own project.
• Access some of the best research facilities in the world at both the University and in hospitals around Greater Manchester.
• Undergo training in transferable skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals through the Doctoral Academy's training programme.
• Conduct research at a university ranked 6th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2023).

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £4,786, Low £11,000, Medium £17,500, High £23,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £27,000, Low £28,500, Medium £34,500, High £40,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Standard £2393, Low £5,500, Medium £8,750, High £11,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Standard £13,500, Low £14,250, Medium £17,250, High £20,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Faculty of Medicine

PhD in Virology and Immunology

Graduate 3-503-1-1

Bon à savoir! Ce programme s’adresse autant aux francophones qu’aux anglophones. Consultez la fiche descriptive en français pour en savoir plus.

Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in virology and immunology while conducting innovative, cutting-edge research projects.

About this program

Develop your critical thinking skills and knowledge in research.

Establish yourself as an independent researcher in virology and immunology. In this doctorate program, you will produce an original research project, present your research findings at scientific conferences, and publish them in peer-reviewed journals. You must be able to develop an original research hypothesis and explain the methods used to experimentally validate it. You have the required technical skills for a career in research and excellent critical thinking skills to interpret your results. After completing the program and your subsequent postdoctoral training, you will be positioned to compete for research grants.

• Basic or clinical research program in a wide range of virology and immunology areas
• Practice-oriented training
• Internationally renowned faculty members and research teams
• Collaborative, multidisciplinary, and fertile learning environment

Language accommodations

Although Université de Montréal is a French-language university, many of our research departments are open to creating a bilingual environment for students in graduate-level programs. These departments are aware of the importance of bilingualism in order for graduate students to succeed in their research careers.

Students who are proficient in English are therefore welcome and accepted into graduate-level programs.

The Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology provides a number of accommodations to make you feel comfortable and help you fulfill the requirements of the program even if French is not your main language of study:

• Access to course notes in both French and English.
• Possibility of taking an equivalent course at an English-language university in Montréal (first session only).
• Choice of giving oral seminar presentations in either French or English.
• Choice of writing exams in French or English.
• Choice of taking the comprehensive exam in either French or English.
• Choice of writing your doctoral thesis or dissertation in French or English.

All laboratories are offered in a bilingual environment. Above all, staff in the program are available to help and support you throughout your studies.

Advantages of studying virology and immunology at UdeM A leading, practice-oriented academic institution

• Develop your potential as a researcher at UdeM, the 4th leading recipient of research grants in Canada
• Discover the largest teaching laboratory in the country with its state-of-the art equipment
• Collaborate with researchers working in various fields of biomedical research

Courses and specifics

For contact information on the program director or student file management technician, or to find out more about the faculty or department hosting the program, please see the page in French .

• Dissertation or thesis track

Reading, critique and discussion of recent scientific articles in the fields of bacteriology, mycology, immunology and virology. Presentation of articles and discussions led by different professors and guest speakers.

Students present their plan, objectives and preliminary results and discuss how they will continue their research project. Question period. Participation in other student seminars.

Students present and interpret their results and discuss how they will continue their research to earn their degree. Question period. Participation in other student seminars.

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More than a century ago, our resiliency has demonstrated the role of microbes in diseases and led to the rational development of vaccines to counter pathogenic microorganisms.

Director, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology

Admission requirements

You are eligible only if a faculty member has agreed to supervise your research project or work prior to submitting your admission application.

Be sure to select your choices to display the eligibility conditions that apply to you.

• Official transcripts and two letters of recommendation are required for admission.
• Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to find a research director prior to submitting their application.

Costs and financial aid

$2,022.23 *

*Total for a full-time session of 15 credits

Tuition fees: $1,440.45

Other fees: $581.78

These amounts are estimates and do not account for other expenses, such as costs for insurance, residence, transportation, manuals, etc.

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These estimates cannot at any time subsitute for an invoice or be used as proof for any reason whatsoever. These calculations are based on the 2023-2024 academic year. Information updated: May 19, 2023

Good news! You may be able to lower this amount!

Under certain conditions, Canadian students who are not residents of Quebec can follow university study programs offered in French while benefiting from the same tuition fees as residents of Quebec.

Check eligibility criteria

$9,435.98 *

Tuition fees: $8,854.20

As an international student, you have access to exemption scholarships granted by UdeM throughout your university program. Note that for ungraduated programs, you must be enrolled as a full-time student for two sessions and reside in Quebec in the case of exclusively online study programs.

Find out about the UdeM exemption scholarship

Available financial assistance

A funding policy ensures a minimum income for graduate students (page in French)

Funding offered for short programs

Funding offered for doctoral programs 

Scholarship program for exemption from additional tuition fees for international students

Scholarships and mobility funding programs offered to students from the Université de Montréal who wish to study abroad

Future prospects Pursuing a career or further studies? The choice is yours!

Your research skills and abilities will secure you a position in academia, industry or a clinical setting.

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The legacy of virology research at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health can be traced to the School's beginnings.

Taught by Charles Simon, one of the first courses at the new school focused on “filterable viruses,” which grew out of his research efforts in this field. “We are now in possession of what is probably the largest collection of material bearing on diseases caused by filterable viruses that exists in the world today,” Simon told the School's founding dean William Henry Welch in 1923.

The tradition of virological investigation initiated by Dr. Simon remains a vital component of the research effort in MMI. We have assembled a dynamic group of researchers with a range of perspectives on the viral world, creating a highly collaborative, stimulating, and productive scientific environment.

Research Groups

Professor  Joseph Margolick  is the lead investigator in the Hopkins component of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, which has been tracking the course of the HIV-1 epidemic in gay men and obtaining clinical specimens from them for almost 30 years. The valuable repository of specimens from this study have provided critical materials for longitudinal analysis of immunological, virological and behavioral factors involved in the effort to control this pandemic.

Using high-throughput, next-generation sequencing,  Dr. Richard Markham  has been following individual viral genetic evolution, particularly focusing on the impact of drug abuse on the course of HIV-1 and on the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy. His laboratory has also been developing novel techniques for interrupting sexual transmission of the virus.

The great influenza outbreak of 1918 is the nightmare scenario of a public health crisis—the emergence of a new viral variant that ultimately killed an estimated 50-100 million people within six months of its appearance. The ability of new variants of this virus to cross species barriers poses the risk of a repetition of the 1918 experience. The research of Associate Professor  Andrew Pekosz  on the role of specific viral proteins in the pathogenesis of this infection, lays the groundwork for developing universally protective vaccines that will anticipate the emergence of new viral variants.

Beyond their importance in vast epidemics, viruses, because of their intimate interaction with the cells they infect, can also be used as a tool to study fundamental cell biology, providing an opportunity to exploit the limited genome of viruses to probe the more complex mammalian genomes and cellular pathways.  Dr. Sabra Klein  studies the immune response to hantavirus in rats and influenza in mice and humans to understand the basis for the differences in immune responses between males and females that are observed in a number of different infections.

Dr. Marie Hardwick’s  studies of pathogenetic mechanisms of Sindbis virus have evolved into a career focused on the cellular pathways involved in a type of “cell suicide” called apoptosis, a cellular mechanism that may be implicated in such diverse biologic processes as aging and the development of cancer.

Dr. Diane Griffin  has used this same virus to study host defense mechanisms against infections of the central nervous system, while using a different virus, measles, to gain insight into the development of the immune response in infants, who cannot be protected by the measles vaccine that is so effective in older children.

Not all human-associated viruses cause disease. The laboratory of  Dr. Jotham Suez  studies the naturally-occurring viruses in our body, collectively termed “the virome.” Similar to symbiotic bacteria, bacteriophages and non-pathogenic eukaryotic viruses interact with the human body systems. The Suez lab seeks to identify the factors that shape this viral community, and decipher the mechanisms through which virome perturbations underlie human diseases.

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PhD fellowship in Virology at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Science

We are offering a PhD fellowship in veterinary virology commencing 1 September 2024 or as soon as possible hereafter. Our group and research The group carries out research and teaching in the areas

PhD in the field of Molecular Virology (f/m/d)

PhD in the field of Molecular Virology (f/m/d) Stellenanzeige merken Stellenanzeige teilen A PhD position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Viet Loan Dao Thi at the Center of Integrative

M.W. Beijerinck Virology Prize

M.W. Beijerinck Virology Prize Medical, Biomedical and Health Sciences Natural Sciences and Technology More The M.W. Beijerinck Virology Prize is awarded to an internationally renowned researcher

1 PhD student position available at Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Dakar, Senegal) – ESC8

-poor settings and the challenges they face. CLHIV, particularly those with advanced HIV disease or experiencing virologic failure and compromised immune status, are highly susceptible to infections and

Research Assistant Professor

The laboratory of James Smyth, Ph.D. at the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute is seeking a Research Assistant Professor in the area of cardiovascular biology and/or virology . Dr. Smyth's

PhD student

within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description PhD Project PhD in the field of Molecular Virology (Thi, HEV) - Heidelberg University. Details: https://www.lifescience.net/jobs/157574/phd-project

PhD position in insect virome analysis

: the Bioinformatics Group led by prof. Dick de Ridder and the Laboratory of Virology led by prof. Monique van Oers. Your daily supervisors will be dr. ir. Astrid Bryon and dr. Anne Kupczok, with complementary expertise

PhD Surveillance and Characterisation of Arboviruses in the Hunter Region

candidate will ideally have a science or biomedical background with some experience in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, virology and/or entomology. The candidate will have the opportunity

and the Laboratory of Virology led by prof. Monique van Oers. Your daily supervisors will be dr. ir. Astrid Bryon and dr. Anne Kupczok, with complementary expertise: insect virology , virome analysis

Research Assistant / Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and well-organised Research Assistant/Associate to join the group of Dr Valeria Lulla (https://www.path.cam.ac.uk/research/ virology -division/lulla-group

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Class of 2024 Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Graduates Urged to Become Changemakers

Louis Toth, a Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine associate clinical professor of anatomy and neurobiology (left), and Adam Hall, an assistant professor of anatomy and neurobiology, with Graduate Medical Sciences students at their May 16 convocation ceremony. Photos by Jacob Mackey

Class of 2024 Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Graduates Urged to Become Changemakers

“success is not just in the destination, but also in the journey,” student speaker says, doug fraser.

In greeting BU’s Chobanian & Avedisan School of Medicine Class of 2024 MD and PhD graduates at their May 16 convocation, Karen Antman , school dean and provost of the Medical Campus, noted that graduation is one of the most joyous annual events of academic life. She also reminded them that their doctorates in philosophy and medicine convey considerable public trust.

Citing the amount of unrest around the world, natural disasters, and medical challenges on a global scale, Antman said: “We hope that you will become leaders in solving these issues.” 

At the afternoon ceremony at the BU Track & Tennis Center, 35 PhD, 144 MD, 4 combined MD/PhDs, 3 combined MD/MBAs, an MD/JD, and 2 MD/OMFS (oral and maxillofacial surgery) degrees were bestowed. Nearly 400 Graduate Medical Sciences students (43 master of arts, 323 master of science, and 10 combined master of science/master of public health) received master’s degrees in a ceremony held that morning at the same venue.

“The faculty know that you will use the knowledge, the research, and clinical skills that you have mastered here to make a difference in the world going forward,” C. James McKnight , associate provost and dean of Graduate Medical Sciences, noted in his remarks to the MD/PhD graduates.

Josiane Fofana (CAMED’24) was selected by PhD students to address the MD/PhD graduating class, their families, friends, and faculty.

“[I am] truly humbled, because humility reminds me of how far I’ve come and how much more there is to accomplish,” said Fofana, who grew up in Senegal, and in 2011 moved to Boston, where she completed an associate degree in biological sciences at Bunker Hill Community College before earning a BS in biochemistry from Brandeis University, and finally, a PhD in virology, microbiology, and immunology at BU.

Fofana asked students to look beyond their degree.

“In the pursuit of knowledge, we often overlook the importance of emotional intelligence,” she said. “Brilliance devoid of empathy renders us empty, contributing to the injustice in this world.”

The mother of a three-year-old, Fofana founded a nonprofit providing quality and STEM-based education to children in Dakar, Senegal. She is pursuing a postdoctoral position at the University of Ghana as a Fogarty Global Health Fellow .

Selected as this year’s student speaker by her MD classmates, Bridgette Merriman grew up in Rochester, N.Y., graduated from Boston College, and will become a pediatric resident at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. A survivor of childhood cancer, she was hooded by David Korones, her pediatric oncologist at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester.

“One of the most beautiful aspects of our journey together has been the friendships we’ve formed and the shared experiences that have strengthened our bond,” Merriman said. “From our first days of orientation to the challenges of clinical rotations, we’ve grown together, supporting each other every step of the way.

“I know…that you have the minds, the hearts, and the souls of changemakers,” she said.

In her address to the MD and PhD graduates, Monica Bharel (CAS’94, CAMED’94), former chief medical officer at Boston Health Care for the Homeless, former commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and currently the clinical lead for Public Sector Health at Google, urged students to consider global issues of health equity and socioeconomic impacts.

“Healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege,” she said. “Our profession should focus on improving health beyond the healthcare system—in communities—and focus on prevention of disease with equal focus as treatment of disease.” 

Brent Leung (CAMED’24) was the first of three student speakers chosen by their peers to speak at the GMS convocation. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Leung graduated from the Master of Science in Medical Sciences program and will enter BU’s MD program this fall.

“Bonding over practice questions, writing out pathways on whiteboards, going out for drinks after an exam—these are the memories that come to mind when I reflect on the past two years,” said Leung. “While I don’t know what the future holds for all of us, I do know that we all have the capacity to succeed.”

Representing the physician assistant program, student speaker Ellie McIntosh (CAMED’24) admitted that she fainted at the first surgery she attended. “Soul-searching” was how she described an undergraduate journey that shifted through four majors, from biomedical sciences to “undeclared,” before she finally graduated with a degree in finance.

Working in an OB/GYN clinic in Dallas brought her back into medical science and healthcare. Now, the Texas native will remain in Boston as a practicing PA. Like Leung, she said she wasn’t alone on her journey, but was supported by classmates, faculty, family, and friends. 

“My charge to you is to not let this fervor for life dissipate on those grueling days that will inevitably come as we continue this roller coaster of life,” McIntosh advised. “We can treat, heal, and interact with people of all different backgrounds and socioeconomic status…and help them fight for a truly better tomorrow.”

Student speaker Aris Desai (CAMED’24), also a Texas native, invoked New England poet Robert Frost in speaking on behalf of medical science students.

“The road less traveled is often rugged, and less signposted perhaps, but it is ripe with the promise of personal growth and discovery,” Desai said. “Each lab experiment, each patient case study, and each research project was an opportunity to choose resilience over resignation, curiosity over complacency, persistence over surrender,” he said. “It is a testament to the idea that success is not just in the destination, but also in the journey.” 

Find more information about Commencement here

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Doug Fraser is a School of Medicine public relations associate; he can be reached at [email protected]. Profile

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