Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and the Immune Response

Fernando Villalta, Ph.D. Professor & Chair

Welcome to the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and the Immune Response (DMPIR). We are a group of faculty, students, postdoctoral scholars, and staff dedicated to cutting edge research, outstanding teaching, and service to the College and the scientific community. Our research focuses on microbial pathogenesis and immune response of microorganisms that severely affect disadvantaged populations. We strive to understand the mechanisms by which viruses, bacteria, and protozoan parasites elicit pathogenesis in the infected host. Conversely, we also investigate the pathways by which the host immune response endeavors to overcome these infections.   Investigation of preventive measures including the development of novel drugs or vaccines represents a part of our effort.  

Our Mission

A major part of our mission is the interdisciplinary training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who will become the next generation of microbiologists and immunologists. Students working with our faculty typically engage in the Microbiology Graduate Program.  

Tenure Track Faculty

Donald Alcendor, Ph.D.	Gautam Chaudhuri, Ph.D.
Minu Chaudhuri, Ph.D.	Xinhong Dong, Ph.D.
Robert Holt, Ph.D.	Raju Ramasamy

Secondary Faculty

Vladimir Berthaud, M.D.	James E K Hildreth, M.D., Ph.D.
Maria de Fatima Lima, Ph.D.	Bindong Liu, Ph.D.
Bogdan Nowicki, M.D., Ph.D.	Stella Nowicki, D.D.S.
Waldemar Popik	Hua Xie

Adjunct Faculty

Terrence Dermody, M.D.