Training in Molecular Virology, Viral Pathogenesis and Viral Vectors (Pre-doctoral)

The Molecular Virology, Viral Pathogenesis, and Viral Vectors training program is supported by NIH/NIAID T32 Grant AI007533 and has been continuously funded since 1998.

The major goal of this training program is to produce outstanding independent virologists who will pursue careers in academic or other virology-related careers. The research focus of this program is understanding fundamental aspects of human virology with an emphasis on emerging virus infections and viral pathogenesis with the use of viral vectors for gene delivery. Laboratory work will be supplemented by opportunities to hone their data presentation and teaching skills.

2025-2026 Virology Trainees:

Boyang Cheng

Sheila Gonzalez

Daniel Sands

Elizabeth Wagstaff

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

This program fosters the rigorous training of PhD students in virology and promotes interaction among students and faculty interested in virology across the University of Iowa.
Goals of this Program
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

Requirements

Weekly attendance at the noon virology journal club on Fridays
Register and participate, twice, in our Graduate Virology Course MICR:6268 Biology and Pathogenesis of Viruses
Registration for and presentation (poster or oral) at a regional, national, or international meeting
Annual meeting with principal investigators
Teach in Spring a graduate virology course: MICR:6268 Biology and Pathogenesis of Viruses

Fellowship Benefits

A yearly minimum stipend of $28,244 and a maximum of $35,600, depending on whether the appointment is directly on the TG or an institutional-funded slot supporting this TG.
100% support for tuition and mandatory fees.
An institutional allowance of $1,000 that can be used to support travel to meetings at which the trainee is a presenting author on a paper or poster, or to purchase laboratory supplies.
Childcare expense support for $3,000 for eligible costs.