About
Funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the T32 Training Program in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases trains the next generation of independent researchers in the important fields of microbiology and infectious disease research. PhD students in the program receive focused training in three key areas of excellence at UCI that comprise the training program: microbial ecology, microbe-host interactions, and structure and metabolism. The faculty mentors who participate in the training program have expertise in microbial pathogenesis, molecular genetics, metabolism, structural biology, immunity and infectious diseases, and microbial diversity. Trainees participate in seminars, journal clubs, research in progress talks, career development activities, a dedicated Special Topics course for trainees, and an annual research symposium.
NIH Award Number
5T32AI141346-02
Grant Period
August 19, 2019 – Present
Participating Schools
School of Biological Sciences
School of Medicine
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Principal Investigators
Celia Goulding, PhD
Professor, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Melissa Lodoen, PhD
Associate Professor, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences
Jennifer Martiny, PhD
Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences
Training and Skills
Courses
- Special Topics in Microbiology and Infectious Disease: Core knowledge
- Responsible Conduct of Research (MMG250): Research ethics
- One elective from each of the three focus areas: Structure and Metabolism, Microbe-Host, Microbial Communities
Activities
- Attend Annual Symposium: Presentation and discussion of trainee research
- Seminar Series: Participation in lectures given by national and international scholars in microbiology, in coordination with Schools of Medicine and Biological Sciences
- Microbial Group Journal Club: Discussion and interaction with interdisciplinary group of graduate students, postdocs, and faculty
- Research-in-Progress Talks: Presentation, scientific communication, and fielding questions about trainee research projects
Eligibility and Application Process
This training program is open to PhD students beginning in their second year of doctoral study. Trainees must be U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, or permanent residents. All trainees are required to pursue research training full time. Appointments are for one to two years, contingent on reasonable progress and performance.
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Applicant’s biosketch
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Two-page research proposal
- Nomination letter from thesis advisor
- Thesis advisor biosketch