The Department of Microbiology is dedicated to researching emerging and established viruses to maximize our preparation for current and future diseases. Nestled within the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, our investigative foci include viral pathogenesis, vaccine studies, adaptive and innate immunity, virus-host interactions, and therapeutics. We remain equally dedicated to training the next generation of biomedical researchers, and welcome students at any stage of their academic career.

The Department prides itself on fostering a collaborative environment in which students can pursue what interests them most about microbiology. As one department within a premier research institution, we are optimally equipped and positioned for interdisciplinary partnership. Through these partnerships, our students regularly develop new tools and techniques that positively influence their own research. Our two graduate training programs—the Mechanisms of Virus-Host Interactions T32 Training Grant and the Microbiology Multidisciplinary Training Area—are focused on developing future leaders in the field. We also accept high school and college students for research experience.

As we continue to build upon our legacy of success with respiratory viruses, the Department is increasingly focused on an area that is less studied but will only grow in impact and importance: pathogens related to climate change. We recognize that viruses such as the Zika virus, which affect tropical and subtropical areas of the world, are rapidly expanding. In elevating this as a major focus of the Department, we are fulfilling our mission of anticipating and preparing for future pandemics.

Our research facilities are located in the Annenberg building, an area of campus that is dedicated to basic and clinical biomedical research across many disciplines. Our full-service labs include molecular virology equipment and resources for bio containment and are within walking distance to the Icahn School’s CoRE facilities, which also support our research.