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Student Profiles

Nestor Ruiz

“Although it places a strong emphasis on host-pathogen interactions, the Molecular Microbiology program also explores other fields of research like biochemistry, immunology, biophysics, and more. Many of the faculty in the program are also part of other programs and bring that knowledge to the molecular microbiology program.”

Nestor Ruiz

Research Topic: Metabolite Sensing in Bacteria

Valerie Rodriguez Irizarry

“As a Hispanic woman in the biomedical field, it was important for me to find an environment that not only provides training to become an independent scientist but one where I feel represented with the scientific community.”

Valerie Rodriguez Irizarry

Research Topic: Viral Evolution

Matthew McDougal

“UT Southwestern was the best combination of great faculty, high-quality research, great publication record by students, and diverse research topics for me. The ability to quickly finish classes with no requirement to serve as a teaching assistant was a huge bonus as well.”

Matthew McDougal

Research Topic: Virus-host Interactions

Melissa Budicini

“The faculty make the program great. All of them are experts in their fields, but they are willing to take the time to help mentor and support not only the students in their lab, but all of the students in the department.”

Melissa Budicini

Research Topic: Murine Norovirus