About Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (MGM)

The Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology provides excellent research training opportunities for graduate students in the Biomedical Sciences. The department faculty is composed of 26 scientists with active, competitive research programs, and 9 affiliated faculty in other basic science and clinical departments, the Program in Molecular Medicine, and at the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research.

MGM graduate students pursue their doctoral thesis research in either the laboratories of faculty or affiliated faculty members. Frequent interaction with other basic science and clinical departments provides access to sophisticated equipment and the expertise of leading researchers in other fields.

Main MGM Office: S5-111

Phone: (508) 856-2292
FAX: (508) 856-5920  

Professor and Chair:  Allan Jacobson, Ph.D.
Administrator:  Joyce Barrett 

Office Staff:

Linda Benson
Tammy Brailey
Debra Celularo
Beverly Hobbs

Group photo at MGM Retreat, 2005 
Group photo at the MGM Retreat, 2005 

Research interests in the department include

  • molecular and cellular immunology
  • molecular biology
  • gene regulation
  • yeast and bacterial genetics
  • virology
  • bacteriology
  • developmental biology.

Research is funded by grants from the

Several faculty members serve as regular participants in NIH study sections, and the department is represented on the editorial boards of leading journals.

A weekly seminar series features distinguished lecturers from around the world. Other departments also offer excellent seminar series and the University presents Seminars in Biomedical Sciences.

The department is dedicated to graduate training and teaches the core course in Molecular Biology as well as many advanced graduate courses. Department faculty also participate in teaching the Genetics course and teach the Medical Microbiology course in the Medical School. Faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows participate in a weekly seminar series focused on research in progress.

The department maintains close ties with the school's interdepartmental  Program in Immunology and Virology , the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research, and the  Program in Molecular Medicine .