Microbiology and Immunology
Location: 2204 Weiskotten Hall, 766 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: 315 464-5453
Fax: 315 464-4417
Website: Microbiology and Immunology Program
This program awards:
- PhD in Microbiology & Immunology
Major research areas in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology are in diseases caused by viruses, the host response to infection, and the development and function of the immune system.
A range of viruses is studied, including Dengue, Epstein-Barr, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes and the Varicella Zoster Virus. The focus of virology research is on pathogenesis, gene regulation, the molecular interactions with the host cell, antiviral agents and DNA replication.
Cancers caused by viruses are also studied, as well as the use of viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. Immunology research focuses on autoimmune diseases, macrophage function, T cell development, antigen processing and presentations, viral immunity, immunotoxicology and vaccine development.
A central theme is understanding how the immune system prevents or causes disease pathogenesis. Research is conducted at the molecular, biochemical and genetic levels with goals of developing gene therapies, vaccines and better treatment of diseases.
What's the
SUNY Upstate Difference?
To Jennifer Moffat, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, it's rooted in two things graduate students learn here—confidence and a sense of the importance of their work
"It's certainly a strong advantage to our students that they have direct access to PIs, and that there are very few post-docs here," said Moffat. "Students move up, and they get the best projects in the lab. It's different from most other schools, where there's a whole layer of scientists above them." Because of their ability to work on major research, students have more opportunities to win travel grants to present at conferences the world over.