MHI Research

The Microbe Host-Interaction Ph.D. Program provides rigorous training and mentoring of students in an encouraging and supportive research environment. We employ both didactic and socratic teaching approaches to help students master the information content in their specific research discipline and to foster development of curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity necessary for making breakthrough scientific discoveries.  We also expect that our students be highly productive (i.e. publish well).

MHI students spend their initial summer and fall terms learning in the classroom while working toward developing an original research project in the laboratory. In the subsequent Spring semester, students choose from a variety of modules tailored toward their own research areas while learning how to write a research proposal on a topic of their choosing. Following completion of the oral Qualifying Exam and approval of the written thesis proposal, students pursue full time research toward the degree. Students meet with their Dissertation Committee every six months to review their research progress and receive career development advice.

While the primary goal of the MHI program is to equip and encourage students to become independent researchers, the faculty understand that our graduates choose to pursue a wide variety of fulfilling careers outside of research. For this reason, we encourage our students to explore all career options available to Ph.D. scientists.

Below is a list of some of the research areas our faculty are engaged in. Please click on a link for a list of faculty labs doing research in that area.