First student accepted into new Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Program in Immunology and Medical Microbiology

Beginning fall of 2020, the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology will offer an Accelerated Bachelors/Master’s Degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology.

Jordan Vance, senior IMMB student in the lab of Cory Robinson, Ph.D. will be the first student accepted into the new program.

"My current research focuses on the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the context of acute bacterial infections, specifically during neonatal sepsis. I am working to characterize how the MDSCs interact with pathogens and in turn have an effect on the cells in their environment. As I work on my project, I want to become increasingly involved with the scientific process with a goal of becoming a policy/patent lawyer. In the time I have been part of the research community as an undergraduate student, I have noticed the importance of law and policy in science. By having my own project as a Master’s student, I will have the opportunity to not only learn about how to perform good science, but also how to think critically about my own research, and in turn that of others. By being involved in research, I will have a better understanding of the process and obstacles involved in science, which will in turn help me to better represent the field as a lawyer."

The Immunology and Medical Microbiology curriculum uses a hands-on research approach. Students gain an in-depth understanding of how the immune system protects hosts from infectious diseases and the consequences of immune system malfunction, which can result in autoimmunity or cancer.

This program fully integrates knowledge of the immune system with an understanding of the mechanisms utilized by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to cause disease. Students develop the laboratory skills and knowledge needed to assess the function of the immune system and to safely cultivate and identify microorganisms that cause disease in mammals.