Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Training Program

This is the seventh renewal application seeking support for our Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Program (MMPTP) conducted by an interdisciplinary group of faculty at Meharry Medical College (MMC) and Vanderbilt University (VU) to provide PhD training in the molecular basis of infectious diseases. The program will provide opportunities for four students committed to infectious disease careers. Highly interactive MMC and VU mentors who conduct cutting-edge research in molecular microbial pathogenesis will participate in the training. The Program is designed to offer trainees opportunities for new discoveries and breakthroughs in the study of pathogen-host interactions of microbes causing disease, including new and emerging pathogens. The innovative features of this program are evident in cutting-edge science and novel approaches to study the pathogenesis of infectious agents in the areas of (i) Cell Host and Microbe; (ii) Infection and Immunity; (iii) Structure/Function of Virulence Factors. The PI will be assisted by an Associate Director and internal and external advisory committees consisting of MMC and VU training faculty and external leaders in the field. Trainee advisory committees will include MMC and VU mentors. Trainees will take the program flagship course “Cell Host Microbe Interaction”, and benefit from other courses available at MMC and VU including summer research and sabbatical opportunities. All trainees and faculty will participate in Journal Clubs, Works-In-Progress, and the Seminar Series which include presentations by MMPTP faculty and students and external guests. Additional events include the Infection and Immunology Symposium and annual retreat. This is a strong program administered at an institution with an outstanding record of recruiting, retaining, and graduating PhD students. The program goals are enhanced by the increased collaborative research and training programs at MMC and VU resulting from the MMC-VU alliance. The support requested will significance increase the number of biomedical scientists in the critical areas of infectious disease.