Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis
The Ph.D. program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis (IMP) offers cutting-edge training for the next generation of immunologists and microbiologists. Our nearly sixty IMP faculty at Weill Cornell Graduate School and its partner institutions—Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Hospital for Special Surgery—are world-renowned for their work in a broad range of areas, from anti-microbial immunity to the commensal microbiome, molecular to cellular immunology, and autoimmunity to tumor immunology. Students have opportunities to pursue their basic, translational, and clinical research interests in an environment in which the lab and the clinic continually inform one another.
The collective expertise of IMP faculty enables us to build a broad curriculum covering the complexity of immunology and microbial pathogenesis. In the first year, laboratory rotations allow for immersion in research areas of interest. This is complemented by formal classroom learning in immunology, microbiology, and cell biology. Students choose a thesis lab by summer of their first year. Courses in the second year and above are specialized according to student interest and include course work in computational biology or advanced discussion-based classes that delve more deeply into select topics. Additional courses emphasize grant writing to prepare students for their qualifying exam and competing for external fellowships. A large majority of IMP students receive extramural funding support.
Our seminar series hosts world-class scientists each week to discuss the latest ground-breaking research in immunology and microbial pathogenesis. Students present their thesis work in weekly research-in-progress seminars. The annual off-site IMP retreat, attended by fellow students, postdocs, and faculty, provides ample opportunities for poster and oral presentations and networking with IMP faculty. Our diverse scientific interests, rigorous training, and collaborative spirit ensures students are well prepared to tackle important scientific questions, become successful scientists, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in immunology and microbiology.