About the Program

The Immunology and Virology Program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School has been organized by the Immunology and Virology Committee, an interdepartmental group which includes faculty from many different departments with diverse research interests. This group fosters virology and immunology research and training at UMMS, and offers a Ph.D. Program in Immunology and Virology as part of a larger school-wide graduate program that encompasses a core curriculum and a specialization in one of several fields of biomedical research. The major purpose of the Program is to recruit talented, well-trained, and highly-motivated graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and give them first-rate preparation for competitive careers in academic research and industry. Presently there are 50 graduate students in the program, and committee faculty members are currently training 85 postdoctoral fellows. Research training in the program is an interdisciplinary, cooperative undertaking which depends upon regular interaction among faculty and students from several different clinical and basic science departments. We provide training in cellular and molecular immunology, molecular virology and viral and bacterial immunology, with an emphasis on HIV and AIDS-related viruses, on anti-viral vaccine development, and autoimmunity and transplantation.  These studies are strongly supported by a core of basic immunologists and virologists, which is increasing in number, as we make efforts to involve our trainees in the translation of basic findings to model systems of disease and then to clinical settings. It is characterized by intense faculty involvement and by a formalized emphasis on developing skills in hypothesis-driven research and in research communication.

Doctoral students in the Immunology and Virology Program are advised to gain and maintain a broad base in the biochemistry, genetics, and cell and molecular biology. Laboratory rotations are provided as an important mechanism to help students appreciate current research methods and choose an area of interest as well as a laboratory in which to pursue their thesis research.

Formal rotation seminars are required to prepare students for organizing their research project, to relate their research to the current literature, and to aid in preparation for their oral qualifying exams. A seminar series course with outside speakers in clinical and basic immunology and virology gives students direct interaction with a variety of approaches to experimental design, allowing the students to meet and learn from a wide range of outstanding scientists.

Additional information about entrance requirements, assistantships, and the school-wide program can be found in the Graduate School Catalog. Application forms can be obtained from the Dean of Graduate Studies, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655. Specific questions about the Program in Immunology and Virology should be directed to:

     Graduate Program Directors: 

     Trudy Morrison, Ph.D. 
      Rachel Gerstein, Ph.D. 

     Committee Chairman: 

All applications to this program are considered without regard to sex, race, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability. The University of Massachusetts is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.