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Welcome to the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology.
It’s an exciting time to be involved in studies of microorganisms and their interactions with human and animal hosts. Recent advances in microbiology, immunology, molecular genomics, and bioinformatics have provided tantalizing glimpses into the biology of these “bugs”, how they cause disease and the influence of our own microbiota on the disease process, how the immune system has evolved to deal with these threats, and how, in turn, microorganisms have evolved complex survival strategies in the face of host defenses. Devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of these issues. SARS-CoV-2, along with recent outbreaks of mpox in Africa and beyond, the ongoing problems of influenza virus, methicillin-resistant 'superbugs' (MRSA), HIV/AIDS, drug-resistant TB, and life-threatening fungal infections, among others, are constant reminders of the dynamic nature of our field.
Faculty in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (MIP) direct translational research programs in immunology, virology, bacteriology, mycology and parasitology, linking basic and clinical sciences within the LSU Health Sciences Center and with researchers at other campuses. The MIP Department provides a strongly interactive environment that has underpinned the development of several new interdisciplinary research and development programs with funding from the National Institutes of Health, Private Foundations and Industry. Our recent State-funded initiatives include the Louisiana Vaccine Center, established in collaboration with colleagues from Tulane and Xavier University, while MIP faculty have also forged strong linkages with related programs here at the Health Sciences Center and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge.
Each of these initiatives underpins a dynamic and integrated education program in MIP, that includes mentoring and career development of postgraduate students and postdoctoral trainees from Louisiana, across the United States, and around the globe. Students pursuing PhD and MS degrees in our program are mentored by an accomplished and dedicated faculty and supported by state-of-the art research facilities.
Please contact us for further information concerning any aspect of our research and education programs.
Alistair Ramsay, Ph.D.
G. John Buddingh Professor of Microbiology
Department Head, Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology
Director, Louisiana Vaccine Center