Immunity and Infectious Disease

Project Summary/Abstract: This application is a resubmission of a renewal for a pre-doctoral training program in Immunity and Infectious Disease at The Rockefeller University, an institution with a rich history in these areas. The Immunity and Infectious Disease Training Program is specifically designed for education in immunology and infectious disease, and incorporates required coursework, professional skills development, rotations, and extensive research opportunities. Trainees will complete thesis work comprising a body of novel scientific work in immunology and infectious disease. The 21 faculty trainers are accomplished scientists, including 8 members of the US National Academy of Sciences and one Nobel laureate, with a shared interest and experience in graduate education. The faculty has expertise in a very broad range of immunology and infectious disease, and the program encourages trainees to perform collaborative work in various areas with different faculty. We propose to support 6 pre-doctoral trainees during years 2-4 of graduate study. The applicant pool is outstanding, including a large number of students with accomplished undergraduate records, extensive research experience and a strong interest in immunology and infectious disease. Trainees would be mentored by the Program Director; members of the university Dean’s Office, a Program Advisory Committee of selected faculty for general curriculum and research advice; and a Faculty Advisory Committee, specifically designed for each trainee to provide detailed experimental guidance. An External Advisory Committee will evaluate the effectiveness of the program and provide advice on new initiatives. Finally, the University provides extensive support for the graduate program in general, which benefits the Immunity and Infectious Disease training program. The confluence of these attributes defines a specific training program that will prepare trainees with the educational background, analytical abilities, and experimental expertise for exciting career pathways in immunology and infectious disease.