The University of Montana (UM) - NIAID/RML Graduate Partnership Program in the “Molecular Basis for Infectious Diseases” provides a rare opportunity for graduate students to explore all areas of molecular pathogenesis while being mentored by experts at both institutions. Participating PhD programs at UM include the Division of Biological Sciences (offering PhD’s in Integrative Microbiology & Biochemistry and Organismal Biology & Ecology), Biomolecular Structure & Design, Chemistry, and Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences (offering.PhD’s in neuroscience, toxicology and pharmacology/pharmaceutical sciences).
Students choose from among the various PhD programs and emphases at UM. The first year of graduate training focuses on a core curriculum designed to enhance and expand scientific knowledge in the chosen field of study. Students begin their research training by performing at least two laboratory rotations at RML or UM with at least one rotation performed at RML. By the end of the first year, each student is expected to choose a mentor at RML, a resident advisor at UM, and additional dissertation committee members from both institutions. Additional courses, specific to the emphasis, may be required or recommended by the student’s PhD committee. Students choosing to participate in the GPP are expected to continue to attend seminars, journal clubs, etc. of the degree granting program at UM.
RML is a component of the NIH-NIAID and has a long-standing history of training scientists. Numerous RML-trained scientists have received international recognition for their work. RML is comprised of the Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis (LHBP), the Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites (LICP) and the Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases (LPVD) and the Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens (LZP). LHBP research projects currently focus on the human genetics of susceptibility to infectious agents and the role of neutrophils in host defense. LICP research focuses on Chlamydia trachomatis, the etiological agent of several significant diseases of humans including trachoma, the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide and the most common cause of sexually transmitted disease. The major emphasis of research in LPVD is on the pathogenesis of diseases caused by persistent active or latent virus infections of the hematopoietic, lymphoid, or central nervous systems. In addition, the laboratory is studying the roles of persistent infection in the development of immunosuppression and autoimmune or immune complex diseases and the role of endogenous retroviruses in disease. Agents currently under study include HIV; murine retroviruses; flaviviruses; rabies virus; and the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs or prion diseases). LZP research focuses on the pathogenic Borrelia species, Yersinia pestis, Group A Streptococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
UM is a liberal arts institution founded in 1893. The main campus at Missoula is located forty miles north of RML, in scenic Western Montana. UM programs involved in the GPP include several highly regarded faculty in the life sciences. Students are encouraged to foster collaborative projects between NIH Investigators and UM Professors serving on their PhD committee. The total student body of UM totals 13,600 of which about 2,000 are graduate students studying biology, law, business, pharmacy, physical therapy, and several other fields. NIH and UM support students admitted into the program with a competitive stipend, tuition, and medical insurance for up to five years.
Students wishing to be considered for admission into the partnership need to submit both a GPP application and a UM application by the specified deadline.
Additional Information
The Scientist - Best Places to Work 2007