M&I Graduate Program

Welcome to the M&I Graduate Program

We are excited that you are considering or have chosen the M&I Graduate Program for your PhD studies. Our goal is to train students to become innovative and independent researchers with solid generic skills and a strong foundation in Immunology and Microbiology that will prepare you for a variety of careers in Biomedical science and independent research positions. We offer a flexible choice of courses and unique facilities which enable you to incorporate cutting-edge techniques into your research. Our faculty have expertise in a variety of topics spanning from immunology to microbial pathogenesis and basic science research to bench-to-bedside approaches. We cordially invite you to browse our website for more information or contact us with any questions you might have.

-- Hans Haecker, Graduate Program Director

Welcome to the University of Utah!

Graduate school is an exciting and memorable time in your life. I am here to help you navigate all of the administrative aspects of your graduate career. As the Program Coordinator, I am your first contact for any questions you may have. My responsibilities include maintaining graduate records, monitoring student progress, assisting graduate students with registration and course scheduling, coordinating travel to meetings, and facilitating your enrollment in health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your dependents. I am always happy to help you with anything! You have chosen to attend a wonderful graduate school program at a University in a terrific, vibrant city. There are many educational, cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities all around you. Salt Lake City offers something for everyone.
I wish you the best of luck in your graduate studies.

-- Kim Springer, Academic Program Manager

Graduate Program Committee

Hans Haecker

Ryan O'Connell

Gianna Hammer

Matt Williams

Arabella Young

Hello Fellow Students!

Welcome! We are the student representatives for the M&I graduate program. We are so excited that you chose our department to be part of your scientific journey. Our community strives to create an environment that fosters scientific excellence, creative thinking, and meaningful connections to help our students thrive. Our goal as your reps is to create a richer graduate experience for our peers and to bring our community closer together.

Van: I am a 4th year PhD candidate in Dr. Ryan O’Connell lab. I am currently working on the effect of CD11c+ myeloid cell exosomes on regulate immune response in colorectal cancer as well as how modification of microRNA contents in CD11c+ myeloid cell exosomes affect gut inflammatory response. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, baking and take my cats out for a walk.

Darci: I am a 3rd year PhD candidate in Dr. June Round’s lab. I work with the commensal bacteria Turicibacter and investigate how it provides metabolic protection to its host. When not playing with bacteria, I love enjoying Utah’s trails, settling down with a good book or working on a painting, and most importantly spending quality time with friends.

We are excited to be the student representatives for the M&I Program. We want to be a source of support for all students and create a positive environment in our department. If you have ideas about how to improve the program or any questions/concerns, we want to hear them.

Sincerely,

Van Tran van.tran@path.utah.edu
Darci Ott darci.ott@path.utah.edu

M&I Student Representatives