The Department of Microbiology is pleased to welcome a new cohort of Graduate Biomedical Sciences (GBS) students who have joined the Microbiology and Immunology themes. These trainees represent the next generation of scientists, preparing to advance our understanding of microbes, host defense, and human health.
The UAB GBS program provides an interdisciplinary, flexible training environment that allows students to explore a broad range of biomedical research areas before selecting a specialized theme. Through this structure, students gain strong foundational knowledge while tailoring their graduate experience to their scientific interests and career goals.
The Microbiology and Immunology themes, which are two of eight themes offered by the GBS program, are led by faculty in the Department of Microbiology including Sunnie Thompson, Ph.D., serving as co-theme director for Microbiology along with Megan Kiedrowski, Ph.D. (Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine) and Louis Justement, Ph.D., serving as co-theme director for Immunology along with Craig Maynard, Ph.D. (Department of Pathology). Thompson and Justement bring extensive expertise and a strong commitment to mentorship, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
“It is a pleasure to welcome our new students to the GBS program," Justement said. "The study of the immune system continues to transform medicine, and these trainees are entering the field at an exciting time. We are committed to providing a collaborative environment where they can develop the skills and insights needed to make meaningful contributions to biomedical research.”
About the Microbiology and Immunology Themes
Within the GBS program, the Microbiology and Immunology themes offer rigorous, research-driven training focused on understanding infectious diseases and the immune system:
Microbiology Theme
Students in this theme investigate bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, with an emphasis on pathogenesis, host–pathogen interactions, and translational approaches to diagnosing, preventing, and treating infectious diseases.
Immunology Theme
This theme focuses on the immune system’s role in health and disease, including immune responses to infection, autoimmunity, inflammation, and immunotherapy. Students develop expertise in cellular and molecular immunology as well as cutting-edge research techniques.
Welcome to Our New Students
We are excited to welcome the following students to the Microbiology and Immunology themes:
Immunology
Eva Belevska
Julia Caroline Chehab
Lauren Evelyn Griffin
Mckenzie Herrboldt
Charles North Hopper
Chambit Paik
Microbiology
Georgianne Denzik
Fawaz Ben Malick
Pierce Meinert
Braden Quitmeyer
Tahani Tabassum
Ethan Tyner
Drashti Vaghasia
We look forward to the discoveries and contributions these talented students will make during their time at UAB. Please join us in welcoming them to the Department of Microbiology!