IMS Research Cluster Events

2013 IMS Cluster Symposium  May 9 - Click here for flyer

Immunology and Microbial Sciences (IMS) Training Program

The Immunology and Microbial Sciences (IMS) Training Program consists of a graduate curriculum that emphasizes research on microbes, the immune system, and the interface between the two fields.  Students who participate in the training program conduct research that includes:

  • Microbial physiology, microbial genetics, molecular biology, and the emerging fields of genomics and synthetic biology.
  • Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and discovery of novel therapeutics
  • Microbial pathogenesis, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
  • Studies of microbial host-interactions, modulation of host cell biology, and development of disease or symbiosis
  • Mechanisms by which microbes evade innate immune responses
  • Genetics and development of a normal immune response and oral tolerance
  • Immune response to infection including the generation and effects of the innate and adaptive systems
  • The role of T cells, B-cells, mast cells, cytokines, and chemokines in host immunity
  • Immunological diseases, including autoimmunity, inflammation, and allergy

The IMS program has a flexible curriculum that allows students to explore their interests in Microbiology and/or Immunology. During their first two years, students who participate in the IMS training program are required to take two entry-level courses in microbiology, virology, or immunology and one advanced topics course. In addition, students take part in topic specific training activities including journal clubs, research-in-progress meetings, and seminars. IMS students also attend quarterly meetings of the IMS program that will provide opportunities for students to share their research with peers who share their interest in Microbiology and Immunology.

The training faculty from both the DGP (Chicago campus) and IBiS (Evanston campus) who participate in the IMS program are listed below.  Click on the name to see a research description.

Cluster Director

  • Karla Satchell, PhD (DGP)  Associate Professor, Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine

Bacterial and Viral Structure and Physiology

Microbial Host-Interactions and Evasion of Innate Immunity

Bacteriology

Virology

Parasitology

Immunology And Immunological Diseases