Welcome to the Gene Therapy and Vaccines program!
The Gene Therapy and Vaccines Program focuses on the use of animal and human gene transfer for therapeutic purposes and for vaccination. The mission of the graduate program is to produce exceptional investigators who will become outstanding researchers in the field.
Overview | Trainee Seminar | GTV Committees
GTV Overview
Students in the program acquire a broad background in molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, immunology and virology. Program faculty conduct research in basic cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, molecular physiology, virology and immunology. While the goals of the research are disease-based with the objective of developing prophylactic and therapeutic applications, student training focuses on a basic understanding of disease pathobiology and achieving efficient and effective gene transfer in humans. Students contribute to research of cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, lysosomal storage disease, inherited blindness, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and immunologic and infectious diseases. Study of vaccines for prophylactic, as well as therapeutic applications are emphasized. Specific focus is provided through a survey course in gene therapy and vaccines and through advanced seminars in specific areas of gene therapy and/or vaccine research.
Overview | Trainee Seminar | GTV Committees
Trainee Seminar
The program runs a bi-weekly trainee seminar where graduate students present their rotation experiences and dissertation research. This is a closed series. For the 2024-25 schedule, email Anna Kline.
Overview | Trainee Seminar | GTV Committees
GTV Committees
Dr. Hamideh Parhiz (co-chair)
Dr. Roddy O’Connor (co-chair)
Dr. Beatriz Carreno
Dr. Joseph Fraietta
Dr. Saar Gill
Dr. Marco Ruella
Dr. Regina Young
Dr. Jonathan Miner, Program Chair
Dr. Regina Young, Vice Program Chair
To help first and second year students navigate the program, the following faculty are also available to advise.
For inquiries about Gene Transfer: Beverly Davidson, Stefano Rivella, Denise Sabatino
For inquireies about CART: Marco Ruella
For inquiries about Immunology-Harnessing the immune system: Michael Milone
For inquiries about Immunology-Vaccines: Norbert Pardi, David Weiner
For inquiries about Cell Therapies: Frederick (Chris) Bennett
Dr. Kiran Musunuru
Audrey Bochi-Layec, GTV Student Representative to CAMB Curriculum Committee
2024-25 GTV Student Representatives
Jillian Eisenhauer, GTV 4th year + Student Rep
Michael Kuckyr, GTV 4th year + Student Rep
Audrey Bochi-Layec, GTV 3rd year Student Rep
Lauren Olenick, GTV 2nd year Student Rep, 1st year Mentor Program
Ananya Talikoti, 1st year Mentor Program
TBD, GTV 1st year Student Rep
Annabel Sangree, Rotation Talk Organizer