Doctor of Philosophy with Specialty in Microbiology (Ph.D.)
The Department of Microbiology of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine is located on the third floor of the Guillermo Arbona Irizarry Building in the San Juan Medical Center. The Graduate Program offers a Doctor in Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Microbiology and trains students for careers in biomedical research and teaching in the disciplines of Bacteriology, Immunology, Parasitology, Mycology, Virology, and Microbial Ecology. Microbiologists are scientists that investigate the virulence factors, pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and immune mechanisms of medically important pathogenic microorganisms, microbiome, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Graduates from our program have successful careers in the bio-pharmaceutical industry, the academy, and local and federal government agencies.
The Department of Microbiology is internationally recognized by its research in the multiple fields of current Microbiology fields. It has an outstanding and experienced faculty, which actively seeks external funds to support research activities, graduate students training, state of the art facilities and equipment. Our program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with well-recognized scientists and clinical investigators from Puerto Rico, mainland US, and foreign countries.
Program Description and Admission Requirements
Candidates for Ph.D. degree must complete a minimum of 45 course credits, pass a qualifying exam after the second year and complete 15 thesis credits. In addition to each investigator’s research laboratory, the following institutional facilities are available to expand the researcher’s facilities: the Genomics Translational Research Unit, the Translational Proteomics Center, Infectious and Global Diseases Program Core Lab, Flow Cytometry Core Lab, Electron Microscopy Unit, Computer Center, the Animal Resources Center, the Caribbean Primates Center, and the newly established COBRE Center for Microbiome Sciences. Individual faculty members also participate as mentors in the UPR Intercampus Ph.D. Program in Biology. With these opportunities and collaborations, students are exceptionally well prepared for a variety of careers in science education, basic and clinical science research, the biomedical and biotechnology industry and various other health-related fields.
The Requirements for Admission are as Follows:
A bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or an equivalent degree in sciences from an accredited institution
Required undergraduate courses are: General Biology (8 semester credits), General and Organic Chemistry (8 semester credits each), General Physics (8 semester credits), Mathematics and Calculus (3 semester credits).
A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 and in all sciences required courses (GPS) in a scale of 4.0.
A working knowledge of Spanish and English
An assay of approximately one single-spaced page (between 250 to 400 words) setting forth the applicant’s reasons for being interested in obtaining a graduate degree and following a career in Microbiology.
Three recommendation letters. At least two of these letters should be from professors or research advisors in the specific study area.
Copies of official transcript
Completed application form.
An interview with the Department’s faculty.
Research experience is highly recommended.
Areas of Research and Faculty
MEDICAL PARASITOLOGY
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of multidrug resistance in Plasmodium, ABC transporters genes, role of glutathione biosynthesis genes in parasite development. Identification of drug targets and novel antimalarials active in multiple parasitic stages. Director of the Tropical and Emerging Infectious Diseases Services
Immunomodulatory effect of Fasciola hepatica derived antigens on antigen-presenting cells of innate immune system and application of these effects as anti-inflamatory therapy against bacterial sepsis, ulcerous colitis and other autoimmune diseases.
Microbiome, Metagenomics, Biodiversity and Microbe-Host Symbioses. Role of microbes in the development of infectious diseases, cancer and other phenotypes. Applications of Next-Generation Sequencing data, Omics and Bioinformatics.
Puerto Rico Aerobiology Network for the report of pollens and fungal spores. Indoor and outdoor contaminant fungi and their effects on respiratory health. Allergenic potential of tropical fungi.
Pathogenesis of Dengue and Zika viruses in animal models (Non-human primates) and interaction with the cellular Pathways of innate and adaptive immunity
El RCM tiene vigente la Licencia de Renovación de la Junta de Instituciones Postsecundarias y está acreditado por la MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education). Además, no discrimina por raza, religión, sexo, nacionalidad, edad, origen o condición social o económica, impedimento físico o mental, ni afiliación política.
The Medical Sciences Campus holds a Postsecondary Institutions Board Renewal License and is accredited by the MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education).In addition, it does not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, nationality, age, origin or social or economic condition, physical or mental disability, or political affiliation.
