MERGE-ID & Molecular Genetics Tracks

MERGE-ID

The MERGE-ID (Medically-oriented Research in Graduate Education) is a track within the Molecular Microbiology Program and is directed by Dr. Ralph Isberg. Trainees complete a curriculum specifically designed to provide students with strong foundation in a biomedical scientific discipline as well as the knowledge to understand the clinical implications of their work and move their discoveries to the bedside. Trainees begin their training in the first week of July, prior to the start of the Fall Semester in September. They complete a summer course that incorporates infectious diseases, problem based learning, and clinical rounds. After choosing a thesis advisor, MERGE-ID students have the option of performing a clinical practicum connected to their thesis research. Students performing the practicum will have a practicing clinician as a member of the Thesis Advisory Committee. Seminars and enrichment activities that focus on interaction with clinical ID fellows and physicians supplement the training.

Students interested in MERGE-ID must select this option when they apply to GSBS.

Molecular Genetics

The Molecular Genetics Track within the Molecular Microbiology Program provides rigorous training in fundamental aspects of molecular genetics. It is directed by Dr. Andrew Camilli and Dr. Bree Aldridge serves as Co-Director. The curriculum emphasizes strong grounding in fundamentals such as biochemistry and molecular biology as well as fundamental aspects of genetics. Trainees complete courses focusing on prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial genetics that cover topics such as chromosome replication and segregation, recombination, mutant screens and selections, regulation of gene expression, cell-to-cell communication, differentiation, stress responses, and physiology. Students can join this track once they join their thesis lab and choose their thesis project.

Students entering this track can select the track after they have matriculated at GSBS.