Experimental Pathology Graduate Program

We welcome prospective students to explore our training program, faculty and students in experimental pathology at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

The Experimental Pathology Graduate Program provides trainees with unique opportunities and training experiences that can only occur when students, basic scientists and physician-scientists alike come together to answer the most challenging questions in disease pathogenesis. Significance of pathology in research, particularly in infectious diseases and toxicology for which the cornerstones of pathology include host cell injury, inflammation and repair, hemodynamic abnormalities, immunopathology and organ-based pathology are critical components necessary for understanding the molecular and cellular basis of disease pathogenesis. We have world renowned facilities and investigators dedicated to pathology education and research providing trainees an opportunity to conduct impactful state-of-the-art research. Our excellent Program Faculty conduct multidisciplinary research in many areas including vector-borne emerging infectious diseases, tropical infectious diseases, vaccines, host-pathogen interactions, infection and immunity, biodefense and environmental toxicology.

Mission Statement

The Graduate Program in Experimental Pathology was created to provide students with the knowledge and skills to investigate the underlying mechanisms of human disease caused by human infectious agents or toxins using the latest scientific approaches. Our trainees develop critical scientific investigational skills including experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, communication of research data (written and oral), and safe, ethical laboratory research.

Objectives of the Experimental Pathology Graduate Program

Experimental Pathology is a biomedical discipline focused on unraveling the mechanisms associated with human disease. This discipline examines mechanisms by which molecular, cellular, and structural changes are involved in the disease process.

There are five specific objectives of the program:

1. Educate students in the basic biomedical sciences of cell morphology, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology and their pathologic counterparts in disease processes. Additionally, students are trained in the study of human pathogens and their vectors.
2. Provide interactions between students and clinical scientists to facilitate student development of an appreciation for the problems, issues and technology of diagnosis, management and treatment of human disease.
3. Educate students in research methodology, data analysis and critical thinking while providing exposure to the multidisciplinary approaches to investigate disease mechanisms.
4. Provide students with the guidance, training and support needed to complete an original research project in a specialized area of experimental pathology.
5. Prepare students for the diverse careers that are available to PhD's in biomedical sciences.
   

The Experimental Pathology Program Director, Dr. Jere W. McBride, has been involved in graduate education nearly three decades. He is a Graduate Faculty member in the Experimental Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Neuroscience Graduate Programs. His teaching and mentoring experience include contributions to both graduate and medical school curriculums and mentorship for over 50 students (doctoral, master's, undergraduate, high school), over 20 postdoctoral fellows and visiting international trainees during his career at UTMB. In addition, he has been a continuously funded NIH-investigator for 20+ years and has published over 130-peer-reviewed publications and reviews, book chapters and proceedings. In addition, he has over 30 US patents for intellectual property related to vaccines and diagnostics for the ehrlichioses.

The Program Coordinator, Ashley Rhame, is solely responsible for the administrative duties of the Program as well as coordination with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences concerning all aspects of policy and procedures pertaining to the Experimental Pathology Graduate Program.