W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) integrates many disciplines concerned with the study of the transmission, immunobiology and pathogenesis of bacterial, parasitic, viral, immunological and infectious diseases of public health importance. Research is at the population, organismal, cellular and molecular levels.
The central premise of this broad approach to the study of disease is that public health problems can best be addressed by understanding basic biological mechanisms. Our research aims to advance the understanding of the biology of disease and to use this knowledge to solve public health problems. Research takes place in the laboratory, in the clinic and in the field, as the faculty work to combat such enormous public health problems as malaria, sexually transmitted diseases, mosquito-borne encephalitis, Lyme disease, tuberculosis, diarrhea, measles, AIDS and autoimmune diseases.
The Department is continually evolving to meet new research opportunities and the changing needs of public health. We remain committed to the conviction of the School’s founder William Henry Welch: Future success in public health and preventive medicine must rest on a firm base of scientific discovery.
Prospective Students
MMI offers three graduate degrees for students interested in issues underlying infectious and immunologic diseases: the research-based PhD and ScM programs, and the MHS degree.
Research Programs
Our research programs focus on understanding the molecular biology, pathogenesis, transmission dynamics and control of infectious and immune-mediated diseases of public health importance.
Our Faculty
Message from the Chair
Our diverse research programs and committed faculty offer students unparalleled opportunities for scientific discovery to advance public health.