Molecular Basis of Host Parasite Interaction

The global burden of disease caused by microbial pathogens is one of the largest challenges facing the biomedical community. Threats of emerging infectious disease and resistance to antimicrobial therapies highlight the growing need for vaccines and therapeutics, plus training programs for scientists to ensure ongoing cuttingedge research will improve human health. The rationale for this Training Program, active for 35 years, is the necessity for increased knowledge of the complex interactions between pathogens, microbiota, and the host immune system. The multi-disciplinary Microbiology & Immunology department is a rich environment where students learn to challenge established thinking and address scientific challenges. We aim to train the best and brightest students and postdocs, with mentoring in the laboratories of Program faculty to gain the skills needed to develop rigorous, impactful, well-funded research programs at the leading-edge of research in host-microbial interactions. We provide a strong foundation in fundamental research elucidating the molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and host-microbe interactions, while emphasizing translational research, human studies, and the problems that clinicians face in the treatment of infectious disease. Additional key elements of the training program include rigorous coursework, trainee-invited speakers, a departmental scientific conference for presentation and interaction, and a student-organized scientific retreat for cohesion and scientific exchange. Trainees are involved in teaching activities and are provided opportunities to become effective mentors and teachers, including a required TA-ship. Program enhancements include added learning in critical concepts in responsible conduct of research and increased emphasis on gaining knowledge in performing rigorous and reproducible research through formal courses taught by Program faculty, and laboratory training. Graduate student trainees are appointed upon admission to Stanford for up to 2 years; postdocs typically for 1 year; we are requesting renewal of 6 graduate and 2 postdoctoral slots per year for 5 additional years of funding. Required trainees-advisor IDP meetings along with substantial events and resources in career development facilitate transitions into the biomedical workforce; for the past 10 years we have exceeded our goal of 95% retention of our trainees in STEM-related fields. The Program benefits from the exceptional environment and we leverage substantial School of Medicine and University resources, programs, and engagement. Students and postdocs are successful, publishing high-impact papers and finding leading positions in all aspects of science, from research to teaching to consulting to policy. Over our history, we have trained many who are now leaders in biomedical research and we hope to continue this important and highly successful Training Program