Graduate
Program in Experimental Pathology
Graduate Program in Experimental Pathology
The Experimental Pathology Graduate Program provides trainees with unique opportunities and training experiences that can only occur when students, basic scientists and physician scientists alike come together to answer the most challenging questions in disease pathogenesis. The cornerstones of pathology include host cell injury, inflammation and repair, hemodynamic abnormalities, immunopathology and organ-based pathology. Knowledge in these critical components is necessary for understanding and investigating the molecular and cellular basis of disease. We have state-of-the-art facilities and world-renowned research faculty. Our outstanding Program Faculty conduct multidisciplinary research in many areas including vector-borne and tropical infectious diseases, vaccines, vector-pathogen-host interactions, infection and immunity, biodefense and environmental toxicology.
Mission Statement
The Graduate Program in Experimental Pathology was created to provide students with the knowledge and skills to investigate the underlying mechanisms of human disease caused by human infectious agents or toxins using the latest scientific approaches. Our trainees develop critical scientific investigational skills including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, communication of research data (written and oral), and training to conduct safe and ethical laboratory research.
Objectives of the Experimental Pathology Graduate Program
Experimental pathology is a biomedical discipline focused on unraveling the mechanisms associated with human disease. Training in experimental pathology involves investigating mechanisms by which molecular, cellular, and structural changes are involved in the disease process. There are five specific objectives of the program:
1. Educate students in the basic biomedical sciences of cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology and their pathologic counterparts in disease processes. Additionally, students are trained in the study of human pathogens and their vectors.
2. Provide interactions among students and clinical scientists to facilitate student development of an appreciation for the challenges, approaches and technology used in the diagnosis, management and treatment of human disease.
3. Educate students in research methodology, data analysis and critical thinking while providing exposure to the multidisciplinary approaches to investigate disease mechanisms.
4. Provide students with the guidance, training and support needed to complete an original independent research project in a specialized area of experimental pathology.
5. Prepare students for the diverse careers that are available to doctoral level scientists.
More information on the UTMB Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Experimental Pathology Graduate Program can be found at: https://www.utmb.edu/gsbs
Online application portal can be found at: https://biomedcas.liaisoncas.org/applicants
Jere W. McBride, PhD Professor, Department of Pathology Director,
Experimental Pathology Graduate Program
Program office: 1.136 Keiller Bldg.
jemcbrid@utmb.edu
Ashley Rhame Administrative Coordinator
Experimental Pathology Office: (409) 772-2856 anrhame@utmb.edu
Graduate Program in Experimental Pathology
Program Description
The Graduate Program in Experimental Pathology provides students with the knowledge and skills to investigate the underlying mechanisms of human disease caused by infectious agents or toxins. Our trainees develop critical scientific investigational skills including experimental design, data interpretation, communication of research data, and knowledge to conduct safe, ethical and rigorous laboratory research.
Students receive training in the pathologic basis of disease including mechanisms of cell injury and death, inflammation, tissue repair, immunity and host response, as well as basic biomedical concepts in biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. Faculty research includes pathology of infectious diseases, specifically molecular and cellular pathobiology and immunobiology of emerging and tropical infectious diseases. Students receive specialized training using multidisciplinary investigative approaches that include the latest molecular and sequencing technologies.
The Program by Year
It takes approximately five years to obtain a doctoral degree in Experimental Pathology. The primary activities that engage students during Years 1-5 are outlined below:
Year 1. In the first term, students complete core courses (Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology and Genetics) as part of the Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum (BBSC). The BBSC is a contemporary, integrated, multidisciplinary curriculum that provides strong fundamental training in biomedical sciences prior to a specialized Program-specific course of study. In terms II and III, students engage a Program-specific course of study directed by Dr. Juan Olano, M.D., a board certified pathologist and pathology educator. Students are fully supported by the GSBS in Year 1.
Laboratory Research Rotations. During the first year, students conduct a series of three rotations in the laboratories of various faculty members in our program. The goal of these research rotations is to familiarize students with the specific scientific questions and techniques utilized in various laboratories to aid them in choosing a laboratory within which to conduct their doctoral research. Details on faculty research interests can be found in the program faculty section of this brochure. Students are encouraged to contact the faculty members to inquire about training opportunities that may be available.
Year 2. Students complete the Experimental Pathology Graduate Program course of study and a qualifying examination process that includes both written and oral qualifying examination components according to guidelines created by the Student Evaluation and Advisory Committee (SEAC). Upon passing the qualifying examination, students begin developing their dissertation projects in order to advance to doctoral candidacy early in their third year. Second year students also participate in the weekly Experimental Pathology Work in Progress (WIP) (PATH 6115) and are required to give an introductory seminar (30 minutes) on their current research. The WIP seminars are attended by faculty, students, post-doctoral trainees and others, who provide input and suggestions to help trainees improve their project and presentation skills. Students are also expected to attend other campus seminars including Frontiers of Infectious Diseases (PATH 6145).
Year 3. Students are heavily involved in their research and other activities including journal clubs and research in progress presentations. In the first term, students must divide their time between laboratory research and drafting a dissertation proposal that they will defend orally in order to formally advance to doctoral candidacy by the end of the spring term (May). Primary direction and day-to-day guidance is provided by the mentor. Students also draft proposals for extramural support. Students may attend local, national, and international scientific meetings to present their research findings.
Year 4. Students are heavily involved in their laboratory research and other activities including research in progress presentations. Semiannual meetings with the Supervisory Committee to update research progress are required, and final project revisions are approved by their Supervisory Committee. Students typically present their research findings at regional, national, and international scientific meetings and consider the final stages of research leading to their dissertation defense.
Year 5. In the first term, students are completing laboratory experiments, writing and submitting scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and drafting their dissertations. They attend local, national, and international scientific meetings to present research findings and network to identify potential postdoctoral training opportunities. The doctoral studies culminate on dissertation defense day when the trainee orally presents and defends the research in public and private forums. If the Supervisory Committee is satisfied and all course requirements have been fulfilled, the dissertation is approved, the student is awarded the PhD degree.
OUR AREAS OF RESEARCH
VECTOR BIOLOGY
■ Vector-pathogen interactions
■ Vector fitness
■ Transmission
■ Field studies
HOST RESPONSE
■ Innate and adaptive immunity
■ Immunopathology
■ Vaccine-induced immunity
■ Vaccine development
VIROLOGY AND CELLULAR MICROBIOLOGY
■ Pathogen-host interactions
■ Infection epigenetics
■ Cellular signaling and infection
■ Virus evolution
■ High containment virology
■ Molecular and cellular pathogenesis
https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/education/experimental-pathology-graduate-program
Institutes, Centers and Facilities
• The Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII)
• Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences (SIVS)
• Sealy Center for Vector Borne and Zoonotic Diseases (SCVBZD)
• Center for Tropical Diseases (CTD)
• Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CBEID)
• Robert E. Shope BSL-4 Laboratory
• The Galveston National Laboratory (GNL)
• Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics (SCSBMB)
• Coordinating Research on Emerging Arboviral Threats Encompassing the Neotropics (CREATE-NEO)
Resources and Core Laboratories
• BSL2, 3, 4/ABSL2, 3, 4 Facilities
• Biocontainment Insectaries
• Electron Microscopy/Cryo-electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM)
• World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses (WRCEVA)
• Optical Microscopy Core (OMC)
• Molecular Genomics Core (MGC)
• Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core (FCCS)
• Next Generation Sequencing Core (NGS)
• Single Cell Genomics Core (SCGC)
BIOCONTAINMENT FACILITIES FOR RESEARCH
Robert E. Shope BSL-4 Laboratory
In 1997, UTMB constructed a Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratory facility to safely handle and maintain infectious agents so that UTMB researchers could continue making important discoveries on how to combat some of the most deadly diseases known to man. This was well before the anthrax attack of 2001, and before the decision in 2003 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to partially fund construction of the Galveston National Laboratory on the UTMB campus. Construction of UTMB’s BSL-4 laboratory was largely funded by a grant from The Sealy and Smith Foundation of Galveston, a philanthropy solely dedicated to benefiting UTMB, with additional support for the facility from NIH.
The BSL-4 was formally dedicated on November 17, 2003, and was named the Robert E. Shope, MD, Laboratory in honor of Dr. Shope, a world-renown virologist who was a member of the UTMB faculty. UTMB’s Shope Lab, as it has come to be known, has been fully operational since 2004. It is the first full-sized facility of its kind in the nation to be located on a university campus.
The Moody Medical Library
MML houses the largest and the most significant collection in the history of the biomedical sciences in the southern United States. The historical holdings, which amount to over 30,000 titles, constitute an important resource not only for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston but also for the state and the nation.
GALVESTON NATIONAL LABORATORY
GNL scientists working in BSL4 laboratory environment
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT
Pathology Work in Progress (WIP) Seminars – Trainees in Experimental Pathology, including graduate students and post-doctoral fellows engaged in research, present their current findings to their peers, faculty and staff. Graduate students in their first year in the program present 30-minute talks, while more senior students and postdoctoral fellows present 45-minute talks. This seminar series serves several purposes: 1) to provide trainees the opportunity to develop their verbal presentation skills; 2) to provide a forum for trainees to receive input into their research; and 3) to help develop a cohesive identity among trainees interested in the diverse research topics within the Department of Pathology.
Department of Pathology Research Day – This event has been held annually since 1995 and provides an opportunity for all faculty, doctoral students, and postdoctoral fellows to meet and present their latest research at a poster session forum. Other activities include Researcher of the Year award and presentation during lunch, monetary awards for best poster presentations (sponsored by faculty and the Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases), and the Graduate Student Organization recognition of faculty for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring. The Department also recognizes a faculty member as Faculty Researcher of the Year.
Immunology and Biodefense Journal Club – Faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students present recently published papers in high-impact journals. These informal discussion sections allow fellows to strengthen their presentation skills, critical thinking and broaden immunological concepts and research tools.
Colloquium of Infectious Diseases – Nationally and Internationally renowned researchers are invited to present their most recent research in the fields of infectious diseases, emerging infectious diseases, biodefense and tropical medicine.
GSBS Social Events
• Monthly Trivia Hour
• Student Organization Fairs
Training Grants
Student tuition and stipend are fully supported by the Graduate School the first year. The student’s mentor covers tuition and stipend until graduation but multiple opportunities are available for support by NIH and other training grants:
• T32 Vector-Borne Diseases Training Program
• T32 Biodefense Training Program
• McLaughlin Predoctoral Fellowship in Infection and Immunity
Presidential and McLaughlin Scholars Programs aim to recruit outstanding graduate students to the Experimental Pathology graduate program. The most outstanding candidates for these highly competitive scholarships receive substantial financial supplements to the normal graduate stipends and academic enrichment activities with an outstanding peer group. Each year, up to five (5) incoming students are selected to join the Presidential Scholars program. Stipend supplement of $5,000 (Presidential Scholar) and $3000 (McLaughlin Scholar) above the normal graduate fellowship for up to 5 years of study. PS also are eligible for a one-time $3,000 amount to defray relocation and initial housing costs.
James W. McLaughlin Endowment for Training in Infection and Immunity
Dr. James W. McLaughlin served as professor of medicine at The University of Texas Medical Department in Galveston from 1897 to 1905. During his 26 years as a family physician and as a faculty member of the Medicine Department, he maintained an active interest in immunity and infectious diseases and was the author of a number of publications on the subject. Dr. McLaughlin had a state-wide reputation as a physician and was highly regarded by his students as a teacher. He was one of the first members of the faculty to recognize the need for combining laboratory investigation with clinical medicine. The James W. McLaughlin Endowment was established in 1952 by Mr. A.C. McLaughlin in honor of his father. A purpose of the endowment is to establish and support fellowships for infection and immunity research.
• Spring Fest
• Weekly Student Life Events
Experimental Pathology Social Events
• Annual student/faculty social event at Program Director’s house
• Student sponsored social events
Year One
DEGREE PLAN IN EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY
Principles of Laboratory Biosafety
Frontiers of Infectious Diseases
Basic Human Pathobiology-Infectious Diseases/Toxicology
Functional Histology and Pathobiology
Research Rotations
Year Two
Intro to Competitive Grant Writing
ExPath Trainee Work in Progress
Frontiers in Infectious Diseases
Year Three–Five
Dissertation
ExPath Trainee Work in Progress
Frontiers in Infectious Diseases
Qualifying Examination
Program Electives (3 credits)
Introduction to Vaccinology
Workshop in Phylogenetics
Cellular Microbiology & Disease
Biology of Arthropod Dis. Vectors
General Virology
Imaging in Biology
Advanced Immunology
Tropical Infectious Diseases & Biodefense
Fundamentals of Inflammation
Vaccine Development Pathway
Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms in Health & Disease
Pathogenic Bacteriology
Clinical Microbiology Practicum
Special Topics
Electives and Frontiers of Infectious Diseases
The qualifying examination in the Experimental Pathology Graduate program requires that the student proposes, writes and orally defends an NIH-style F31 fellowship proposal, which will be evaluated by a faculty committee. The graduate student preliminary (qualifying) examination (often referred to as “Prelims” or “Qualifiers”) must be successfully completed in order to pursue your graduate research and to advance to doctoral candidacy in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS)/Program according to the timeline set forth in the GSBS bylaws. The purpose of this examination is to test your understanding of the BBSC (Basic Biomedical Science Curriculum) course work, program-specific course work, general science and critical thinking, the basis of research methods and, to evaluate ones aptitude for scientific research. The examination will ordinarily be completed by the end of April of the second year of study, including those admitted through the direct admission mechanism, and is a prerequisite for admission to candidacy to the PhD program. Students who fail the examination cannot enter candidacy and are eligible to repeat the exam once in the following year.
Advancement to Candidacy
Students seeking the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must submit an application for admission to candidacy and an approved research proposal. Each student must have an overall 3.0 grade point average or better at the time of admission to candidacy. Admission to candidacy requires the fulfillment of all program requirements, including passing the qualifying examination, and must be approved by the Dean of the graduate school. The qualifying examination will ordinarily be completed by the end of the second year of study and is a prerequisite to admission to candidacy.
Dissertation Proposal Defense
Prior to admission to candidacy, the student (in consultation with the mentor) shall select a dissertation supervisory committee which, after approval by the ExPath Program Director and SEAC and, ultimately, the GSBS Dean, will be in charge of the candidate’s doctoral dissertation. Students are responsible for contacting all members of the committee and coordinating the time and location of their proposal defense (typically in Mary Moody Northen Pavilion Pathology Education Conference room reserved through the Program Coordinator). Meetings, vacations, and external commitments by faculty can make this scheduling difficult, so students should be proactive and not leave it to the last minute. The length of the dissertation proposal defense is variable, but should last no more than three hours. The format can be discussed and agreed upon by the student and committee members, but usually consists of a one hour student presentation followed by discussion and a question/answer session. Students should be prepared to fully explain details and limitations of technical approaches, experimental design, justification of animals, statistical analyses, and alternative approaches and hypotheses.
Where they are now?
Galveston, Galveston, Texas – graduated 1998
Shannon Langford - Lead Toxicologist/ Senior Scientist, KBRwyle, Houston, Texas –graduated 1998
Adrian Billings - Chief Medical Officer, Preventive Health Services, Associate Professor, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Permian Basin. Graduated 1998
Aaron Brault - Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, CDC, Fort Collins, Colorado –graduated 2001
Gustavo Valbuena - Clinical Associate Professor, University of California-Berkeley, Berkeley, California – graduated 2003
Danyl H. Tacker - Professor, Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine, WV University, School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV – graduated 2004
Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz - Associate Professor & Director, Women’s Health Research Program, The University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona – graduated 2006
Slobodan Paessler - Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas –graduated 2007
Shannan Rossi - Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas –graduated 2008
Nikos Vasilakis - Professor and Vice Chair of Research, Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas – graduated 2008
Galveston, Texas – graduated 2009
Jeeba Kuriakose - Associate Director, Immatics, Houston, TX – graduated 2011
Sara Woodson - Program Officer, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Washington, DC – graduated 2011
Kenneth Plante - Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas – graduated 2013
Farooq Nasar - Senior Scientist at US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (GDIT/CRM), Fredrick, Maryland –graduated 2014
Nick Bergren - Medical Science Liaison, Sanofi Pasteur, Houston, Texas – graduated 2016
Meghan Hermance - Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama – graduated 2016
Shannon Ronca - Assistant Professor, Pediatrics-Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas – graduated 2016
Adam Ronk - Lead Virologist, CBRNE Defense at Battelle, Columbus, Ohio –graduated 2020
Emily Davis - APHL-CDC Infectious Disease Fellow, Association of Public Health Laboratories, Houston, Texas – graduated 2020
Nicole Lloyd - ORISE fellow at USDA in Manhattan, KS at NBAF (National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility)
Michael Woods – Associate Professor of Physiology and Pathology, Burrell College, Las Cruces, New Mexico – graduated 2008
S. Wesley Long, MD, PhD – Associate Professor of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Academic Institute, Associate Clinical Member, Research Institute Houston Methodist
Nathen Bopp, PhD – Senior Scientist, Infectious Disease, Moderna – graduated 2022
LIFE IN GALVESTON
Galveston Island, on the Gulf Coast less than an hour south of Houston, is much more than just a resort town. The small city has a long history to match its rich beauty and charm.
With architectural examples from every era since Galveston’s inception in the 1820s, the homes, mansions and commercial buildings on the East End preserve the island’s past and present as a cultural center of the Gulf Coast. Organizations like the Galveston Historical Foundation work tirelessly with the city and local residents to ensure these buildings are protected, while also maintaining several mansions open to public viewing. Visitors can explore the original rooms, furnishings and artifacts of several grand estates, like the Bishop’s Palace and Moody Mansion.
On the island’s West End, the homes take to the skies, perched safely on a solid footing of beams and pilings. For those who elect to call these wonderful beachfront and waterfront properties their homes, the sand and sea are never more than a few steps away, and the lifestyle is one that can be hard to describe: equally relaxing, inspiring and exhilarating.
A strong connection to nature features prominently in Galveston, with views of the beach and bays, endless preserved marshlands, clear skies and open space. The Gulf of Mexico creates miles of clean, uncrowded public beaches with warm, gentle tides. Outdoor sportsmen and sportswomen will find the island to be a paradise, featuring some of the best birding in the country, as well as excellent fishing and other recreational pursuits.
Just behind the shoreline stands Galveston’s famous Seawall, a protective wall that also acts as the island’s main boulevard and promenade. With shops, restaurants and a large, accommodating sidewalk that runs a hefty length of the beach, the Seawall is a place to run, bike or simply relax and enjoy the Island’s unrivaled Gulf views.
At 25th St. and the Seawall, Galveston’s Pleasure Pier extends 1,130 feet out over the Gulf of Mexico. The large park has multiple shops, game booths and rides, including a neon-lit Ferris wheel and roller coasters. On the bay, the three pyramids of Moody Gardens punctuate the skyline. Here, guests can walk through a tropical rainforest, experience various IMAX films and explore a large aquarium.
Though the Gulf waters are easily Galveston’s most recognizable feature, the island has much more to offer to local residents and visitors. Downtown, the Strand and nearby streets are filled with wonderful shops and cafes, live music and several annual events unique to the Island.
In December, the island hosts Dickens on the Strand, a weekend-long holiday festival that revisits the tales of Charles Dickens and the charm of England’s Victorian Era. Mardi Gras Galveston!, Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebration, brings grand parades, great bands and tons of visitors food and fun for two weeks in February. Throughout the year, the Strand sees several other large events like the Yaga’s Wild Game BBQ Cookoff, the Lone Star Biker Rally, Oktoberfest and multiple evenings of Art Walk.
Downtown is also the epicenter for the arts in Galveston. The Grand 1894 Opera House, a fully-restored theater that is listed on the National Register for Historic Places, hosts several A-list performances throughout its season. Just blocks away, the East End Theater Company, the county’s only professional repertory theater company, runs a several-show season each year with outstanding local actors and producers. Throughout downtown, several
art galleries display the talents of local artists. From oil paintings to wood sculpture to mixed media creations, the island art scene is thriving through the visions of creators, many of whom have relocated to the island to draw inspiration from its inherent beauty.
With its rich history, natural assets, unrivaled beauty and distinctive culture, Galveston Island is an extraordinary place to call home. The community is founded on a collective appreciation for its individuality and a sense of hospitality fills every aspect of life on the island.
HOUSTON
The style-savvy residents of the country’s fourthlargest city and third-largest county (Harris) know that there’s no place quite like Houston.
With more than 2.2 million residents, the city attracts visitors and transplants with a wonderful mix of world-class arts, booming business, pro sports and award-winning cuisine.
And the nearby Museum District stakes its claim as the country’s fourth-largest, with 18 cultural powerhouses set within blocks of one another.
The Texas Medical Center remains the largest in the world with 47 highly lauded research and treatment institutions.
NASA
Just a short drive from Galveston is NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston. Aeronautic research is unsurpassed at NASA headquarters—the facility responsible for putting the first man on the moon.
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY
Robert Abbott, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology
2.206E Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-772-5291
email: rkabbott@utmb.edu
Patricia Aguilar, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pathology, Associate Director, Center for Tropical Diseases
3.146A Keiller Building (office) 409-772-2825
email: pvaguila@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ patricia-v-aguilar-phd
Alan D.T. Barrett, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology, Director, Sealy Institute of Vaccine Sciences (SIVS)
3.230 Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-772-6662
email: abarrett@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ alan-d-barrett-phd
David Beasley, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
2.138F Keiller Building (office) 409-772-1120
email: dwbeasle@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ david-beasley-phd
Dennis Bente, DVM, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
5.200E Galveston National Laboratory
email: dabente@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ dennis-a-bente-dvm-phd
Nigel Bourne, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pediatrics
3.206B Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-747-8144
email: nibourne@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/sivs/facultydirectory-/utmb-members/nigel-bourne-phd
Donald Bouyer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology Director, GNL-Keiller BSL3 Research Core
1.136C Keiller Building (office) 409-747-2035
email: dobouyer@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ donald-h-bouyer-phd
Alexander Bukreyev, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
3.145 Keiller Building (office) 409-772-2829
email: abukreye@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty alexander-bukreyev-phd
Gerald A. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
5.142 Clinical Sciences Building (office) 409-772-2413
email: gcampbel@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ gerald-a-campbell-md-phd
Ashok Chopra, CSc, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.102 Medical Research Building (office) 409-747-0578
email: achopra@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ ashok-chopra-phd-csc
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY
Irma (Lisa) Cisneros, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology
2.138D Keiller Building (office) 409-772-3938
email: ircisner@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ irma-lisa-cisneros-phd
Alison Coady, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.142G Medical Research Building (office) 409-772-4917
email: alcoady@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/microbiology/ faculty/alison-coady-phd
Jianli Dong, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Director Molecular Diagnostics
5.140 Clinical Sciences Building (office) 409-772-4866
email: jidong@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ jianli-dong-md-phd
Janice Endsley, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.142E Medical Research Building (office) 409-772-3142
email: jjendsle@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ janice-endsley-phd
Rong Fang, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology
1.104C Keiller Building (office) 409-747-0789
email: rofang@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ rong-fang-md-phd
Monique Ferguson, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
5.408 Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-747-0252
email: mrfergus@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/internalmedicine/ divisions/infectious-disease/our-team/faculty/ monique-ferguson
Alexander Freiberg, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Pathology Director, Robert E. Shope BSL-4 Laboratory
3.118D Keiller Building (office) 772-2822
email: anfreibe@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ alexander-n-freiberg-phd
Nisha Jain Garg, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.142C Medical Research Building (office) 409-747-6865
email: nigarg@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ nisha-jain-garg-phd
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY
EXPERIMENTAL GRADUATE FACULTY
Thomas Geisbert, PhD
Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
5.200G Galveston National Laboratory (office) 409-266-6906
Email: twgeisbe@utmb.edu
Website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ thomas-w-geisbert-phd
Benjamin B. Gelman, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
114 McCullough Building (office) 409-772-5316
email: bgelman@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ benjamin-b-gelman-md-phd
Bin Gong, M.D., Ph.D., HTL (ASCP) Associate Professor, Department of Pathology
2.318 Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-772-2877
email: bigong@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ bin-gong-md-phd
Hal Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
349 Shriners Hospital Building (office) 409-770-6635
email: hhawkins@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ hal-k-hawkins-md-phd
Haitao Hu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
4.142A Medical Research Building (office) 409-747-0395
email: haihu@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ haitao-hu-phd
Salim Hayek, M.D.
Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, Faculty Group Practice
2.216B Jennie Sealy Hospital (Office) 409-2669906
Email: sahayek@utmb.edu
Website: https://www.utmb.edu/provost/meet-theteam/salim-hayek
Tetsuro Ikegami, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
3.206D Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-772-2563
email: teikegam@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ tetsuro-ikegami-phd
Bryan Johnson, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
2.144 Keiller Building
Email: bryjohns@utmb.edu
Website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ bryan-johnson-phd
Bhupendra S. Kaphalia, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
2.206 Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-772-4995
email: bkaphali@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ bhupendra-singh-kaphalia-phd
Linda Kenney, Ph.D. Professor, Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Tom and Kaye Arnold Professor in Gastroenterology
6.136G T.G. Blocker Med Res Bldg. (office) 409- 747-0387
email: likenney@utmb.edu
website: https://bmb.utmb.edu/bios/kenney
M. Firoze Khan, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
2.319 Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-772-6881
email: mkhan@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ m-firoze-khan-phd
Thomas Ksiazek, DVM, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
6.200N Galveston National Laboratory (office) 409-266-6902
email: tgksiaze@utmb.edu
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY
Michael Laposata, M.D. Professor & Chair, Department of Pathology
5.154 Clinical Sciences Wing (office) 409-772-0090
email: milaposa@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ michael-laposata-md-phd
Maureen Laroche, MSc., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
4.116 Medical Research Builiding (office) 409-266-6911
email: maularoc@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/microbiology/ faculty/maureen-laroche-phd
Sunhee Lee, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.142A Medical Research Building (office) 409-772-5813
email: sunhlee@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ sunhee-lee-phd
Minghua Li, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
1.136D Keiller Building (office) 409-747-9884
email: minli@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ minghua-li-phd
Yuejin Liang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.130 Medical Research Building (office) 409772-4911
email: yu2liang@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/microbiology/ faculty/yuejin-liang-phd
Shinji Makino, DVM, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
4.142E Medical Research Building (office) 409-772-2323
email: shmakino@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ shinji-makino-dvm-phd
Junki Maruyama, DVM, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology
4.122 Basic Science Building (office) 409-266-6931
email: jumaruya@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ junki-maruyama-dvm-phd
Jere W. McBride, Ph.D. , M.S. Professor, Department of Pathology Director, Experimental Pathology Graduate Program
1.136B Keiller Building (office) 409-747-2498
email: jemcbrid@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ jere-w-mcbride-phd
Peter McCaffrey, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology Director, Pathology Informatics and Laboratory Information Services (LIS)
5.136 Clinical Sciences Wing (office) 409-772-1350
email: pemccaff@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/createneo/utmbteam-bios/peter-mccaffrey-md
Vladimir Motin, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
2.138A Keiller Building (office) 409-772-315
email: vlmotin@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ vladimir-motin-phd
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY
Hema Prasad Narra, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology
3.118D Keiller Building (office) 409-747-2416
email: hpnarra@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ hema-prasad-narra-phd
Anthony Okorodudu, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
7.412QA Clinical Sciences Wing (office) 409-772-9247
email: aookorod@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ anthony-o-okorodudu-phd-mba
Juan Olano, M.D. Professor, Department of Pathology Director, Pathology Residency Training Program
5.220 Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-772-2870
email: jolano@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ juan-p-olano-md
Slobodan Paessler, DVM, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pathology
5.200P Galveston National Laboratory (office) 409-266-6913
email: slpaessl@utmb.edu@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ slobodan-paessler-dvm-phd
Vsevolod Popov, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pathology
2.138B Keiller Building (office) 409-747-2423
email: vpopov@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ vsevolod-leonidovich-popov-phd-dsc
Richard Pyles, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Pediatrics
3.206E Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-747-8142
email: rbpyles@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pedi/academicdivisions/vaccinology
Shannan Rossi, Ph.D., MBA
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology
3.118A Keiller Building (office) 409-772-9033
email: slrossi@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/researchlaboratories/rossi-lab/research
Omar Saldarriaga, DMV, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology
5.408 Mary Moody Northen Pavilion (office) 409-747-0275
email: omsaldar@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ omar-a-saldarriaga-dvm-phd
Parimal Samir, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
4.142G Medical Research Building (Office) 409-772-4921
email: fnparima@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/microbiology/ faculty/parimal-samir-phd
Lynn Soong, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.142B Medical Research Building (office) 409-772-8149
email: lsoong@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/lynnsoong-md-phd
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY GRADUATE FACULTY
Heather Stevenson-Lerner, M.D., Ph.D., FCAP Professor, Department of Pathology
5.506K Clinical Sciences Wing (office) 409-772-8554
email: hlsteven@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ heather-stevenson-lerner-md-phd
Jiaren Sun, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.130A Medical Research Building (office) 409-747-0186
email: jisun@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ jiaren-sun-md-phd
Keer Sun, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.142E Medical Research Building (office) 409-772-8146
email: kesun@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ keer-sun-phd
Alfredo G. Torres, Ph.D, MSc,. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
4.142B Medical Research Building (office) 409-747-0189
email: altorres@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ alfredo-torres-phd
Chien-Te (Kent) Tseng, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
5.200U Galveston National Laboratory (office) 409-266-6929
email: sktseng@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/ chien-te-(kent)-tseng-phd
Nikos Vasilakis, Ph.D.
Professor and Vice Chair of Research, Department of Pathology
1.116B Keiller Building (office) 409-747-0650
email: nivasila@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/createneo/home/ create-neo-home
David H. Walker, M.D. Professor, Department of Pathology Director, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases (CBEID)
1.104B Keiller Building (office) 409-747-3990
email: dwalker@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ david-h-walker-md
Tian (Tina) Wang, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
3.118 B Keiller Building (office) 409-772-3146
email: ti1wang@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/tian(tina)-wang-phd
Scott C. Weaver, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Director, Institute of Human Infections and Immunity
6.200D Galveston National Laboratory (office) 409-266-6500
email: sweaver@utmb.edu
website: https://microbiology.utmb.edu/faculty/scottweaver-phd
David Wei, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Internal Medicine
9.138B Medical Research Building (office) 409-747-1619
email: dcwei@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/internalmedicine/ divisions/nephrology/our-team/faculty/david-wei
Natalie Williams-Bouyer, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Pathology Associate Director, Division of Clinical Microbiology
5.506C Clinical Sciences Wing (office) 409-747-0603
email: nmwillia@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/pathology/faculty/ natalie-williams-bouyer-phd
Courtney Woolsey, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology
5.200P Galveston National Laboratory (office) 409-266-6928
email: cbwillia@utmb.edu
website: https://www.utmb.edu/microbiology/faculty/ courtney-b-woolsey-phd
Online application portal can be found at: https://biomedcas.liaisoncas.org/applicants
