The Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology offers PhD and MD-PhD
\ndegrees. Our program is part of the Program in Biomedical Sciences \u201cumbrella
\nprogram\u201d, which offers PhD graduate students the opportunity to explore different
\nbiomedical fields before deciding which scientific program to join. Students who choose
\nto join the microbiology program receive rigorous research training in the fields of
\nvirology, host-pathogen interactions, and immunology. We offer specialist courses and
\nseminars from leaders in these fields. We provide students with opportunities to deliver
\njournal club and research presentations. We also provide students with a practice
\nqualifying exam to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses and hone their
\nskills. Students perform an original research project with expert guidance from their
\nmentor and other faculty. Our students present their research at national and
\ninternational meetings, publish in high quality journals, and have gone on to enjoy
\nsuccessful careers in academia, the biomedical industry, and science policy.<\/p>\n
Prospective students interested in our PhD program should apply directly to PiBS
\nthrough the GMS admissions portal. Please note that faculty in Virology, Immunology &
\nMicrobiology do not directly accept students.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/pibs\/<\/a><\/p>\n Prospective students interested in our MD-PhD program can learn more about the https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/mdphd\/<\/a><\/p>\n The goal of the Microbiology Program is to provide rigorous training in the fields of virology, Students spend time prior to joining the Microbiology Program either in the PhD Program in Year 1 of the Microbiology Program: Year 2 in the Microbiology Program and beyond: By the time students complete their Ph.D. training they should be able to:<\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Dr. Rachel Fearns (rfearns@bu.edu<\/a>) is the Chair of the Department of Virology, Immunology & Dr. Deole should be consulted for advice on and approval of courses, rotations, training options, <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n For graded course work, a minimum grade of B- is considered a passing grade by the Division of For Ph.D. students in the Microbiology program, a total of 24 graded credits is currently M.D.-Ph.D. students are required to obtain 16 graded credits from relevant courses taken during Students should take additional elective courses that will best complement their research studies. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n The Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology hosts two seminar series: a trainee The trainee seminar series is held on Mondays, from 12:00-1:00 The expert faculty seminar series includes invited speakers from other institutions and is held on The Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology and the Immunology Training In addition, all students are strongly encouraged to attend additional seminars offered within the <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n The qualifying exam is a key component of the PhD qualification. It takes place in June one year The practice qualifying exam is a formative assessment (i.e. it is not graded). The purpose is to The practice qualifying exam has two parts: (1) an in-depth editorial on a paper related to their For the oral component, the student prepares a slide show of the paper. In addition to assessing Students will receive written feedback from the exam committee after the exam according to the The formal qualifying exam is a pass\/fail exam. The examining committee evaluates if the The qualifying exam committees are selected to match the student\u2019s research interests to the The exam is based on what the student plans to do for their dissertation research (although it is The student\u2019s written report must be submitted to the qualifying exam committee, Dr. Deole and questions. They must also explain the experimental approach and provide an interpretation of Following the research seminar, the qualifying exam committee meets and reviews the student\u2019s <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n After completing the qualifying exam, the student should assemble a Dissertation Advisory If the advisor is a member of the Virology, Immunology & Microbiology faculty:<\/p>\n If the advisor is not a member of the Virology, Immunology & Microbiology graduate faculty:<\/p>\n The DGS will appoint 1 of the 5 committee members, not the student\u2019s advisor, to chair the The DAC should meet with the student no later than January following the qualifying exam date. It is the student\u2019s responsibility to schedule their committee meetings. Drs. Deole, Davey and One week prior to a student\u2019s first meeting with their DAC, the student must submit to include a specific aims section, a background and rationale section, a preliminary results section, At least three days prior to each subsequent committee meeting, each student should provide At the conclusion of each committee meeting, the committee chair and the student will review <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n As part of the Ph.D. requirements, a written dissertation describing the student\u2019s research Ph.D. degrees are awarded three times a year, January, May and September. There are specific Before the student begins to write a formal dissertation document, both the major advisor and the <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Student performance will be evaluated by the qualifying exam committee at the end of year 2, For students pre-qualifying exam, the expectations are:<\/p>\n For students post-qualifying exam, the expectations are:<\/p>\n Students must adhere to the rules of conduct as they are outlined by the Division of Graduate Dr. Deole will provide feedback to students, at their request, throughout their time in the <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n More detailed information will be distributed throughout the year as deadlines approach on the Corwin Award:<\/strong>Awarded by the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology to a pre- 1983, and consists of a $1000 cash prize, a certificate, and a luncheon. Eligible students are Travel Awards:\u00a0<\/strong>The Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology provides up to three GMS Outstanding Student Achievement Awards:<\/strong> GMS offers student awards for outstanding GMS Outstanding Student Achievement Awards<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nadmissions process and requirements through the BUSM admissions portal:<\/p>\n<\/ol>\n
Current Students<\/h2>\n
PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND LEARNING OUTCOMES<\/h5>
Program overview:<\/h3>\n
\nhost-pathogen interactions, and immunology. To meet this goal, we provide specialized courses,
\nhold journal clubs and seminars, provide practice qualifying exams and presentations, and
\nscheduled dissertation advisory committee meetings, as well as mentored research projects. All
\nof us in the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology are committed to helping
\nstudents to meet their goals, and students should feel free to ask for help from their mentors,
\ndissertation advisory committee members, and other faculty, staff, researchers and students at
\nany point in their training.<\/p>\nProgram summary:<\/h3>\n
\nBiomedical Sciences or the combined MD-PhD Program. In those programs, students take
\nfoundational courses and research rotations that prepare them for the Microbiology Program<\/p>\n
\nJune \u2013 December: Students take required and elective courses, attend seminars, perform
\ndissertation research, prepare for practice qualifying exam.
\nJanuary: Students take a practice qualifying exam.
\nJanuary \u2013 May: Students give a journal club presentation, take required and elective courses,
\nattend seminars, perform dissertation research, and prepare for the qualifying exam.
\nJune: Students take their qualifying exam.
\nJuly \u2013 August: Students work with their advisors and the Director of Graduate Studies to select
\ntheir dissertation advisory committees and continue their dissertation research.<\/p>\n
\nStudents complete any outstanding courses, continue their dissertation research, having regular
\nmeetings with their dissertation advisory committee, and give research in progress presentations
\nto the department. When a student\u2019s mentor and committee think that the student\u2019s dissertation
\nresearch meets the standard required for a PhD, the student defends their dissertation.<\/p>\nLearning outcomes:<\/h3>\n
\n
\ninteractions.<\/li>\n
\ninteractions.<\/li>\n
\nprivate sector position related to biomedical sciences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPROGRAM DIRECTORS AND ADMINISTRATION<\/h5>
\nMicrobiology
\nDr. Ratnakar Deole (rdeole@bu.edu<\/a>) is the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) for the
\nMicrobiology Program
\nDr. Robert Davey (radavey@bu.edu<\/a>)\u00a0is the Assistant DGS for the Microbiology Program.
\nMs. Kathleen Marinelli (kfurness@bu.edu<\/a>) administers the Microbiology Program.<\/p>\n
\ndissertation advisors, research advisory committees, and dissertation defense preparation. He will
\nreview each student\u2019s performance and progress on a regular basis and reassess curricular and
\nresearch options. Dr. Davey will also provide advice and support for these issues.<\/p>\nCOURSE WORK<\/h5>
\nGraduate Medical Sciences. Division rules state that students who fail 8 or more credits will be
\nterminated from the program. The Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology
\nrequires that if a student gets a C+ or lower in any required course, s\/he will be required to repeat
\nthe course(s); the original grade will be carried on the transcript. Credits in other failed courses
\nmust be made up with credits from the same or other courses.<\/p>\nPh.D. student curriculum:<\/h3>\n
\nrequired.
\nRequired courses (typically taken in the 1 st \u00a0year of the PiBS program, prior to joining the
\nMicrobiology Program):
\nGMS FC 701 FiBS I: Protein Structure, Catalysis and Interactions, 3 cr
\nGMS FC 702 FiBS II: Structure and Function of the Genome, 3 cr
\nGMS FC 703 FiBS III: Architecture and Dynamics of the Cell, 3 cr
\nGMS FC 704 FiBS IV: Mechanisms of Cell Communication, 3 cr
\nGMS FC 764 Professional Skills, 2 cr
\nGMS FC 708 Professional Development Skills, 2 cr
\nIn addition, students in the Microbiology program are required to take the following:
\nGMS FC 721 Statistical Reasoning for the Basic Biomedical Sciences, 4 cr (another statistics
\ncourse can be substituted with Dr. Deole\u2019s permission)
\nAt least 4 credits from one or more of the following courses:
\nGMS MI 701 Concepts in Virology, 2 cr
\nGMS MI 823 Special Topics in Microbiology (Microbial Pathogenesis), 2 cr
\nGMS MI 713 Comprehensive Immunology, 4 cr
\nAnd:
\nGMS MI 811 (Fall), 812 (Spring) Microbiology Seminar, 2 cr (this is ungraded and is to be taken
\neach year in the program)
\nGMS MI 911, 912 Microbiology Research, var cr
\nResponsible Conduct in Research (https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/researchsupport\/training-how-
\nto\/responsible-conduct-of-research-training\/)<\/p>\nM.D.-Ph.D. student curriculum:<\/h3>\n
\ntheir time in the Microbiology Program. They do not typically take the FiBS or Professional
\nSkills\/ Professional Development Skills courses. However, aside from these exceptions, the
\nM.D.-Ph.D. students have the same course requirements as described above for the Ph.D.
\nstudents.<\/p>\nElective Courses for both Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. students:<\/h3>\n
\nStudents typically complete coursework by the end of their first year in the Microbiology
\nprogram, except in cases where courses are only offered in alternate years. Course offerings
\nchange each year and so students are advised to consult the student link to identify courses that
\nmight be suitable, and to discuss course options with their advisor and with Drs. Deole or Davey.
\nExamples of elective courses taken by students in the Microbiology Program:
\nGMS GE 701 Principles of Genetics and Genomics, 4 cr
\nGMS BI 777 Techniques in Biomedical research, 2 cr
\nGMS BY 776 Macromolecular Assemblies I, 2 cr
\nGMS BY 777 Macromolecular Assemblies II, 2 cr
\nGMS MM 710 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, 2 cr
\nGMS MM 725 Biology of the Lung and Pulmonary Disease, 2 cr
\nGMS FC 705 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences: Translational Genetics and Genomics, 2 cr
\nGMS FC 706 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences: Molecular Metabolism, 2 cr<\/p>\nSEMINARS AND JOURNAL CLUBS<\/h5>
\nseminar series and an expert faculty seminar series. Seminars and journal clubs are important
\ncomponents of training throughout a scientific career and the trainee seminar series provides an
\nopportunity for valuable practice of presentation skills. All students in the Microbiology Program
\nare expected to attend and participate in departmental seminars throughout their graduate career
\nand students are encouraged to attend seminars in a variety of disciplines.<\/p>\nTrainee seminar series:<\/h3>\n
\n(https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/virol-immunol-microbio\/seminars\/trainee-seminars-and-journal-clubs\/<\/a>). It involves journal club presentations from students who are in their first year in the
\nMicrobiology Program, and research in progress presentations from more advanced graduate
\nstudents, postdoctoral trainees, and research scientists. Journal club presentations are ~45-60
\nminutes in length and students will be provided guidance on how to prepare for their
\npresentation. Research in progress seminars are ~ 20-25 minutes in length. These seminars
\nshould be well organized and will normally include the following components: 1) a brief but
\ninclusive background summary of the general topic of the student\u2019s dissertation project; 2) a
\nstatement of the student\u2019s research goals (i.e. what question(s) the student is trying to answer); 3)
\na summary of the student\u2019s results to date and conclusions drawn by the student from their
\nresults; and 4) future experiments that the student intends to carry out. Each student is expected
\nto present once each year that they are in the program.<\/p>\nExpert faculty seminar series<\/h3>\n
\nWednesdays, from 12:00-1:00. These speakers typically are internationally recognized leaders in
\ntheir field of expertise. See\u00a0https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/virol-immunol-microbio\/seminars\/microbial-pathogenesis-and-immunology-seminar-series\/<\/a>\u00a0for more details.
\nFollowing each of these guest speaker seminars, students have the opportunity to meet with the
\nspeaker over lunch. Each student who has completed their second-year coursework is expected to
\nattend at least four lunches over the course of the academic year. We welcome input from
\nstudents regarding seminar speakers and so please let your mentor know if you have any
\nsuggestions.<\/p>\n
\nProgram each provide graduate students to choose an external faculty member to invite to
\npresent a seminar. A student host invites the speaker and organizes the events on their visiting
\nday.<\/p>\n
\nBoston University Medical School community.<\/p>\nQUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS<\/h5>
\nafter the student has entered the Microbiology Program. This exam allows the faculty to evaluate
\nif the student has the potential to meet the standards necessary for successful completion of their
\nPhD training. To help prepare students for the qualifying exam, the Department of Virology,
\nImmunology & Microbiology provides a mandatory practice qualification exam, which is
\ntypically held in the months of January\/ February after the student has entered the Microbiology
\nProgram.<\/p>\nPractice qualifying exam:<\/h3>\n
\nhelp the student to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, and to provide advice on
\nhow those weaknesses can be remedied (e.g. through course work or directed study) so that the
\nstudent can fully prepare themselves\u00a0for the formal qualifying exam. It is also intended to give
\nstudents experience of an oral exam so that they are better prepared for the qualifying exam.
\nStudents are encouraged to seek advice and guidance from their mentor in preparing for this
\nexam.<\/p>\n
\ndissertation research and (2) an oral presentation in a closed session before members of an\u00a0ad
\nhoc qualifying exam committee. The written editorial should be 3-4 pages single spaced, Arial
\n11-point text (not including references). It can include a model figure or figures but should not
\ninclude any of the results figures of the paper being discussed.
\nIt should include the following elements:<\/p>\n\n
\nthe student\u2019s understanding of the paper, the practice qualifying exam committee will ask general
\nconcept questions to help them assess the student\u2019s knowledge of their area of concentration, as
\nwell as their foundational knowledge in appropriate areas of the biomedical sciences, including
\ncell biology, genetics, biochemistry, etc. The student\u2019s mentor may be present for the oral
\ncomponent as an observer.<\/p>\n
\nfollowing rubric:<\/p>\n\n
\nrequired courses.<\/li>\n
\nand depth.<\/li>\n
\nunderlying principles, an understanding of whether the experiments really address the
\nquestion being asked, ability to determine if the experimental design is appropriate (e.g.,
\npositive and negative controls), ability to determine if the data are being interpreted correctly,
\nand to determine if other interpretations are possible.<\/li>\n
\nconceive of an experimental plan to test a hypothesis.<\/li>\n
\nor images etc.), cite references appropriately, verbally articulate thoughts clearly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nQualifying exam:<\/h3>\n
\nstudent has the potential to fulfill the requirements for a Ph.D.<\/p>\n
\nextent possible and includes a committee chair who is a member of Virology, Immunology and
\nMicrobiology faculty. The exam has three parts: (1) a short report, (2) a 30-minute presentation
\nin an open session of the students and faculty of the training program(s), and (3) a closed session
\nof questioning by the qualifying exam committee. Students are entitled to have up to two weeks
\nfully dedicated to qualifying exam preparation during the month of May should they choose to
\ndo so.<\/p>\n
\nnot a binding document, and ultimately the dissertation research will be determined by the PhD
\nstudent\u2019s advisor in consultation with the student). The written component is a document written
\nin the style of the Specific Aims and Research Strategy sections of an F31 grant application (for
\nexamples see\u00a0https:\/\/www.niaid.nih.gov\/grants-contracts\/sample-applications\u00a0<\/a>).\u00a0The document
\nshould be ~6-7 pages (excluding references) with figures embedded within it. Although it is
\nexpected that students are technically competent, the goal of this document is for the student to
\ndemonstrate their ability and aptitude for Ph.D. research, and the amount of preliminary data that
\nthey themselves have generated is not assessed. The student is encouraged to seek guidance from
\ntheir advisor regarding the scope of the aims and should ask for feedback from their advisor on
\nthe Specific Aims page. However, they should not receive help from the advisor or others in
\ncrafting and writing the proposal. The oral component consists of a 30-minute research seminar
\nopen to all students and faculty, followed by a closed oral exam before the qualifying exam
\ncommittee. Students can seek help from more advanced students for practicing their research
\nseminars (see list of students and responsibilities at the end of this guide).<\/p>\n
\nKathy Marinelli on June 1 st . The research seminar and closed-door exam will typically be held in
\nmid-June, but the exact dates might vary, depending on faculty availability. During the research
\nseminar, the student is expected to explain clearly the background and rationale for the research<\/p>\n
\ntheir data and how the data fit in with the existing scientific literature. Finally, they must be able
\nto answer questions from the audience.<\/p>\n
\nperformance in the laboratory with their advisor. Then the committee invites the student to join
\nthem and proceeds with the oral exam. The committee will ask questions to test the student\u2019s
\nunderstanding of the research project and of general concepts in virology, immunology and\/or
\nmicrobial pathogenesis. The committee will then excuse the student and determine whether the
\nstudent has passed both the written and oral components of the exam. If the committee votes to
\nfail the student, the committee chair will forward the decision to Dr. Deole who will consult with
\nthe student\u2019s advisor and Drs. Davey and Fearns to decide if the student is allowed to retake the
\nwritten and\/or oral exam or should be recommended for dismissal from the program. When a
\nstudent passes their exam, they are advanced to dissertation status.<\/p>\nDISSERTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS<\/h5>
\nCommittee (DAC) who will help guide them in their research project. A student should choose
\nmembers of their committee in consultation with their advisor and Dr. Deole. The membership of
\nthe committee must be approved by Dr. Deole. All committee members must hold graduate
\nappointments in the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Committee members from outside
\nof the institution should hold graduate level faculty appointments at their home institutions and
\nare able to receive special service appointments in the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences for
\nthe duration of their service on a student\u2019s
\ncommittee:\u00a0https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/files\/2022\/05\/Special-Service-Appointment-Form-1.pdf.<\/a><\/p>\nDissertation advisory committee composition:<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
\n(preferably from outside the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\ncommittee. The chair will be a member of the Virology, Immunology & Microbiology faculty.<\/p>\nDissertation advisory committee meetings:<\/h3>\n
\nIdeally, the first committee meeting should be held in the months of September to early
\nDecember. The committee should then reconvene approximately every six months (unless
\notherwise determined by the Dissertation Advisory Committee or Dr. Deole) to discuss research
\nprogress with the student.<\/p>\n
\nKathy Marinelli should be notified by E-mail at\u00a0rdeole@bu.edu<\/a>,\u00a0radavey@bu.edu<\/a>,
\nand\u00a0kfurness@bu.edu<\/a>, respectively of the date, time, and place of each meeting as soon as the
\nmeeting is set but no later than 2 weeks prior to the meeting. Kathy can help with room bookings
\nif necessary. If it is impossible for all committee members to agree on a meeting date, it is better
\nto schedule a meeting in the absence of one committee member (not the advisor or committee
\nchair) than to postpone committee meetings for months.<\/p>\n
\ncommittee members and Drs. Deole and Davey an outline of their proposed dissertation project.
\nThe first committee report should provide the committee members with the information
\nnecessary to understand the hypothesis to be tested and the rationale for the hypothesis. It should<\/p>\n
\nand a section describing the experimental approach that will be used to carry out the studies. This
\nreport should be no more than 5-6 pages in length. Typically, this report is adapted from the
\nqualifying exam document in consultation with the student\u2019s advisor.<\/p>\n
\nmembers of the committee and Drs. Deole and Davey with a brief outline of their research
\nprogress. The outline should include each of the specific aims and the progress that has been
\nmade to date in addressing those aims. It should also include the future studies that are planned
\nto address the aims. The student should be sure to indicate how they have addressed issues or
\nconcerns raised at the previous meeting. This outline should be kept brief (no more than 1-2
\npages). Experimental findings should be included separately as figures and\/or tables. If there is a
\nsignificant change in research directions, the student should supplement the report with a brief
\nbackground and rationale section to explain the change in research direction.<\/p>\n
\ncomments raised in the meeting. It will be the responsibility of the student to prepare a short
\nreport summarizing the meeting. The student should forward the summary to the committee chair
\nfor additional review, comments, time frame for the next committee meeting, and approval. The
\ncommittee chair will email the final and approved summary to Kathy Marinelli
\n(kfurness@bu.edu) who will distribute copies to the student, committee members, and Dr. Deole.<\/p>\nDISSERTATION AND DEFENSE<\/h5>
\naccomplishments must be submitted and defended. The dissertation is based on original
\nlaboratory research. Students are expected to finish their Ph.D. having made a significant
\ncontribution to their field of research.\u00a0\u00a0The expectation is for at least 1-2 first (or co-first) author
\npublications summarizing the work.\u00a0\u00a0Exceptions can be considered in consultation with the
\nstudent\u2019s DAC.<\/p>\n
\ndeadlines to be met for each of these degree award dates, which if missed could delay the final
\noral examination and the degree award. Many of these are set by the registrar\u2019s office and are not
\nflexible. Advice on dissertation preparation and a deadline calendar can be found at the
\nfollowing URL:\u00a0\u00a0https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/research-thesis-dissertation\/<\/a>\u00a0 \u201cGeneral
\nResearch, Thesis and Dissertation Information\u201d\u00a0 \u201cPhD completion of degree checklist\u201d. Students
\nare encouraged to reach out to Dr. Deole 10 months before they plan to defend their dissertations
\nto determine what is required.<\/p>\n
\nDAC must agree that the student has completed a significant body of original research. Once the
\ndissertation has been written, the student is required to present a formal seminar followed by an
\noral defense of the dissertation in a closed exam with the DAC. A written dissertation that has
\nbeen approved by the 1 st \u00a0reader must be delivered to the 2 nd\u00a0 reader one month before the scheduled
\ndate of the oral defense. A revised dissertation that addresses the 2 nd \u00a0reader\u2019s comments must be
\ndelivered to all committee members at least two weeks before the scheduled date of the oral
\ndefense. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the delay of the oral defense. Exceptions
\nmay be granted but only with the full consent of the DAC and Dr. Deole and\/or Davey. Each
\nstudent is required to provide the Department with a final copy of their dissertation before the
\nDepartment will sign off on the necessary paperwork in order for the student to complete their
\ndegree requirements.<\/p>\nEXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE<\/h5>
\nand then by the dissertation advisory committee and Drs. Deole and Davey thereafter.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\nDissertation Advisory Committee)<\/li>\n
\nMedical Sciences in its documents \u201cAcademic Standards and Disciplinary Procedures\u201d and
\n\u201cCode of Student Responsibilities.\u201d Students must also adhere to the rules and policies of Boston
\nUniversity regarding sexual harassment. Copies of documents describing these rules and policies
\ncan be obtained through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences
\n(https:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/students\/policies-procedures-handbook\/<\/a>).<\/p>\n
\ngraduate program and will reach out to students who are not meeting expectations.
\nIf a student fails to meet expectations, appropriate action will be taken which could include one
\nof the following recommendations:<\/p>\n\n
GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDS<\/h5>
\nfollowing graduate student awards.<\/p>\n
\ndoctoral graduate student in the program, in recognition of exemplary scholarly and\/or scientific
\nachievement, values of collegiality and scientific integrity. The award is named for Dr. Laurence
\nCorwin who was a Microbiology faculty member for many years before his untimely death in<\/p>\n
\nnominated and voted on by faculty.<\/p>\n
\ntravel awards per year, a possible 1-3 to VIM graduate students and up to 2 to post-docs to attend
\nscientific meetings. There is one annual competition, and it is open to all graduate students in the
\nMicrobiology Program and those post-docs in the laboratories of primary Virology, Immunology
\n& Microbiology faculty. The deadline is usually at the end of January and e-mails are sent
\napproximately 1 month and 1 week prior to the deadline along with the application form. The
\nfirst prize is in the amount of $750 and the second and third prizes are in the amounts of $500
\neach. The top prize can go to either a graduate student or a post-doc and the meetings must occur
\nwithin 6 months prior to or after the travel award deadline. In addition, the Division of Graduate
\nMedical Sciences provides travel awards to graduate students. More information on the GMS
\ntravel awards can be found at:\u00a0 http:\/\/www.bumc.bu.edu\/gms\/gateway\/prospective\/travel-awards\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nresearch achievement and community service. Students are encouraged to self-nominate
\nthemselves for these awards. Please see the following link:<\/p>\n