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Training in Mechanisms of Parasitism (Pre- and Post-doctoral)

Training in Mechanisms of Parasitism is supported by a T32 training grant from NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (T32 AI007511) and has been funded since 1996.  The program unites scientists working on different microbial systems and methods, but addressing similar questions about “Parasitism”, i.e. the pathogenesis of microbial diseases. Faculty provide trainees with an opportunity to address basic questions regarding microbial pathogenesis using a full repertoire of techniques. Our underlying hypothesis is that protozoal, helminthic, bacterial, and viral pathogens face similar obstacles in overcoming mammalian antimicrobial defenses. The mechanisms through which one pathogen evades killing within the host may provide insights into means through which other pathogens survive in their unique host niche. There is a long history of collaborative research and training among the laboratories at the University of Iowa, and particularly between members of this Parasitism program.

2023-2024 Parasitism Post-doctoral Trainees: Joseph Jalinsky, Nicholas Luedtke and Patrick Nuro-Gyina. Pre-doctoral Trainees: Cinthia Hudachek, Alix McCullough, Elvia Silva, Brianna Steiert, Kara Wuchter

The goals of this program are:

  1. to foster collaborations among scientists and trainees with expertise in complementary disciplines;
  2. to encourage trainees to take advantage of the expertise of faculty members in diverse fields;
  3. to ensure that trainees are well informed of new advances in technology and their applications to biological questions;
  4. to foster interactions among graduate students, PhD postdoctoral fellows, and MD fellows in different laboratories; and
  5. to carefully monitor the progress of trainees so that their learning and productivity are maximized.

This training program currently supports predoctoral students (combined MD/PhD or PhD only) and postdoctoral fellows.

Trainees participate in:

  • A weekly journal club/research meeting for 1 s.h. credit
  • Seminars with speakers sponsored by the program
  • A bi-annual Scientific Careers Retreat
  • Career development
  • Grant writing
  • Bench research

The following departments and programs are currently participating in the training program:

Principal Investigators: Mary E. Wilson, MD and Noah S. Butler, PhD

Applications are requested in May of each year and new trainees are appointed on August 1.

For more information about the grant and how to apply, contact Melissa Shriver or Angie Robertson.

Research