Research Overview

Overview

XLD Salmonella Research

The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics faculty are asking fundamental questions in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell and molecular biology. Our Department applies the methods of microbiology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and structural biology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the cell. The interdisciplinary nature of these fields means that a prospective graduate student is offered a wide choice of research opportunities. Cross-departmental, interdisciplinary collaborations are facilitated by regular meetings and journal clubs focusing on nucleic acid biochemistry, DNA repair, signal transduction, bacterial pathogenesis, and structural biology and bioinformatics.

The research conducted by the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics bears directly on crucial health and environmentally related problems such as cancer, AIDS, microbial pathogenesis, and bioremediation. The research programs within the Department are supported by a variety of sources including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Department is also the recipient of a 1.8 million dollar award from the Lucille P. Markey Charitable Trust for the establishment of a Center for Molecular Genetics. Investigators have also received funding from private foundations, including the Burroughs Wellcome Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trust.

• What our students have to say...

  In no other classes did I feel the professors had the same amount of devotion to their students as in MMG. You can tell that each professor cares for your well being and will do everything to help you succeed… I learned in the lab classes how to be an independent thinker, but also that whenever you needed help, one of your fellow “MMGers” was always there. With the small number of classmates in your major, you develop camaraderie with all of them that you won’t get in a class of just plain old Bio majors. You’re not sitting in the back of some giant lecture hall desperately trying to stay awake as the teacher babbles on, you’re in the most interesting classes with mostly just your MMG classmates and a few other students in the department.

  Jon (Microbiology), graduated 2008