Program Overview

NIAID Infectious Diseases & Inflammatory Disorders Training Program

The NIAID Infectious Diseases & Inflammatory Disorders Training Program is an innovative research enrichment program that combines faculty research expertise with unique institutional resources for the hands-on training of medical students.

Program Overview

The program is directed by Tian Wang, PhD, and co-directed by Lynn Soong, MD, PhD. It provides training by faculty members from the departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pathology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Surgery. The research theme is centered on infections and inflammation, especially on pathogen detection, regulation of host inflammatory responses, and vaccine/drug development for the control of pathogens and tissue damages.

Program Structure

• Students will devote full-time (8 weeks) during the summer to gain in-depth exposure to biological concepts and modern biomedical research tools.
• Students will have the opportunity to choose basic, clinical, or behavior research projects.
• The program will match talented medical students with grant-funded research faculty mentors, coupling daily research experience with research seminars, round-table discussions, and oral/poster presentations.

Program Achievements

• Since 2009, the program has recruited 105 trainees and contributed to 36 publications.
• The program has been supported by NIH T35AI (PI: Lynn Soong for 2009-2020 and PI: Tian Wang for 2021-2026).

Research Areas

• Pathogen detection
• Regulation of host inflammatory responses
• Vaccine/drug development for the control of pathogens and tissue damages

Program Faculty

The program faculty includes members from the departments of Microbiology & Immunology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pathology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Surgery.

Student Opportunities

• Students will have the opportunity to work on research projects and present their findings through oral/poster presentations.
• The program provides a unique opportunity for medical students to gain hands-on research experience and work with experienced faculty mentors.