University of Virginia Health System

Over the past two decades, the field of Immunology has evolved from a discipline where descriptive information was obtained at the whole organism level to a science where fundamental questions are analyzed using modern cellular and molecular techniques. The accumulation of information about the workings of the immune system has revolutionized our understanding of its involvement in the control of infection, autoimmunity, allergy, and cancer. This information, together with breakthroughs in technology and discoveries in the fields of Structural and Cell Biology, Cell Signaling, Genetics, Microbial Pathogenesis, and Analytical Instrumentation, sets the stage for even more astounding discoveries, and for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. The Immunology Training Program at the University of Virginia offers a rich intellectual environment to provide students with the background and expertise necessary for a productive and successful career in both basic and human disease-oriented Immunology research.

Immunologists today must possess not only a detailed knowledge in their own area of expertise, but also be familiar with the skills, techniques and knowledge of related disciplines. The Immunology Training Program at the University of Virginia places a major emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to science that crosses traditional departmental boundaries. Reflecting this, Program faculty are members of the departments of Microbiology , Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Internal Medicine, Pathology, and Chemistry. They also participate in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Programs in Cell and Molecular Biology and Molecular Medicine, and the Medical Scientist Training Program for MD/PhD students. Collectively, the faculty have a proven track record of research productivity, collegiality, and effective training of predoctoral students. A sample of the current research areas in the program include antigen processing and presentation, lymphocyte development, various aspects of signal transduction in cells of the immune system, apopotosis, lymphocyte migration, autoimmunity, viral immunology (including AIDS), and cancer immunology. Currently there are 55 students performing research leading to the Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree in Training Program laboratories. Among these are 25 women, 5 Asian Americans and 3 African Americans.

The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and is the major research university of the state of Virginia, attracting scholars and students from around the world. It is routinely ranked as one of the top 1-2 public universities in the country. The University of Virginia School of Medicine has produced world leaders in many fields of science and medicine and today continues that tradition of excellence by providing outstanding opportunities for education and training for the scientific leaders of the future. Approximately 238 students are currently enrolled in the School of Medicine's graduate programs. Training opportunities are provided by 235 faculty members from 29 basic science, clinical, and engineering departments, offices and centers. The grounds of the University, which are exceptionally attractive, encompass about 1,600 green acres, and all facilities are within easy walking distance of each other. The small size of the institution and the compact campus further serve to foster dynamic interaction between all disciplines.