This is an exciting and rewarding time to begin a career in biomedical research. The pace of scientific discovery is breathtaking. Endless opportunities exist for our graduates as they begin their careers.
Extraordinary research opportunities are available within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and collaborative research units including the Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine in the areas of:
- Immunology
- Molecular and human genetics
- Virology
- Malarial and bacterial pathogenesis
- Emerging disease and biodefense
- Opportunistic infections
- Experimental therapeutics and diagnostics
- Neuroscience
- Cancer biology
Continued advances in technology and collaborative interdisciplinary research between basic and clinical scientists will be the key to innovation and new discovery in the next decade. Research conducted within the department will be of tremendous importance to the growing national and international health care needs.
We are committed to understanding molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases within the human population and the development of strategies to prevent and/or treat these acute, chronic, and latent infectious diseases.
The research programs of our faculty are funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institute of General Medical Science and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
For more information on individual faculty members, their research interests, and training opportunities offered by our outstanding faculty, please explore the department's web page through the links at the left.
News and Announcements
The annual Golden Apple Awards recognize outstanding service, teaching and mentoring by 91ÖÆƬ³§ faculty and professional staff. The honorees are nominated by each class of medical students, who vote to determine the award winners. Read more.
Roughly one out of three women ages 14-49 in the United States develop a vaginal bacterial imbalance known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) during their lifetime. BV is characterized by unpleasant odors, and potentially painful side effects, as well as the risk of associated health issues later in life. More than half of the patients who seek medical care do not respond to the first-line treatment, the antibiotic metronidazole, leading to recurrence. (Drexel News) Read more.
LymeX Diagnostics Phase 3 Prize Awarded
With an estimated 476,000 cases in America annually, the U.S. has an urgent need for new Lyme Disease diagnostics. That’s why 91ÖÆƬ³§ is thrilled to be a Phase 3 winner in the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation’s $10+ million LymeX Diagnostics Prize. Through Phase 3, the 91ÖÆƬ³§ team led by MaryAnn Comunale, had access to webinar modules, mentorship, and networking opportunities as we planned a clinical performance study to validate our proposed solution. Industry supporters Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics provided non-financial in-kind support, helping our team deepen our understanding of the diagnostics industry, how clinical laboratories operate, and how to work with commercial laboratories.
Bioscience in Berks
Josh Mell, PhD, professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, will present at the Bioscience in Berks: Innovation Symposium on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Researchers from 91ÖÆƬ³§ have identified new drugs that show early success in shrinking breast cancer tumors that have metastasized in the brain. The discovery marks the first time that targeting a key metabolic enzyme in cancer cells in the brain has shrunk tumors in a mouse model. Read more.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Attendees will:
- Gain a historical view of microbe-AD research over the last 30+ years
- Understand current state of the evidence on various microbes associated with Dementia/AD
- Explore the potential role of microbial dysbiosis; the gut, the brain and beyond
- Glean neuro-immune and host factors that relate to microbial/dysbiotic pathogenesis
- Explore microbiome identification and characterizations: limitations and opportunities
- Discover diagnostic and drug development implications and strategies
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The annual Golden Apple Awards recognize outstanding service, teaching and mentoring by 91ÖÆƬ³§ faculty and professional staff. The honorees are nominated by each class of medical students who vote to determine the award winners. Read more.
In the Media
March 10, 2025: Garth Ehrlich, PhD, a professor in the College of Medicine, was featured in a podcast episode about chronic infections and their implications for Lyme disease.
February 6, 2025: Garth Ehrlich, PhD, a professor in the College of Medicine, was quoted in a article that debunked claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during recent Department of Health and Human Services confirmation hearings.
February 1, 2025: Garth Ehrlich, PhD, a professor in the College of Medicine, was quoted in a article debunking claims that the federal government prioritizes funding research in infectious diseases more than it does for chronic diseases. The article was also published by yahoo! News.
. A prize-winning new test for Lyme disease could help doctors make a speedy diagnosis of the tick-borne disease. Exel - 91ÖÆƬ³§ Research Magazine (2023)
. Three Drexel scientists are playing instrumental roles in a nationwide quest to conquer HIV using CRISPR gene-editing technology. Exel 91ÖÆƬ³§ Research Magazine (2023)
See all College of Medicine faculty in the Media
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