Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

MGM’s key missions are in the areas of research, teaching, and service, which are aligned with the mission and the core values of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Center. The department prides itself on outstanding research leading to discoveries in basic cellular processes, disease mechanisms, and novel approaches to therapy. We strive to maintain the highest quality and impact in scientific knowledge, education and public health. One mechanism to reach this goal is the development of teams of outstanding investigators that interact in specific areas of focus.

Highlights of research: Building Interdisciplinary Research Teams:

Leadership in Human Genetics: The future of biomedical research in any area depends on knowledge of human genetics. MGM is at the forefront of next-generation DNA sequencing development (“$1,000 genome” and beyond) and applications to human disease including cancer as well as in genomic and epigenetic studies.
Leadership in Immunology, Infection, and Inflammation: The department has recently hired four new faculty members in the areas of immunity and neuroinflammation.
Nanotechnology: MGM faculty are leaders in the emerging field of nanotechnology through its research developing of virus-like particles for vaccine development and drug delivery.
MGM scientists contribute to research programs at the University of New Mexico, including the Center for Infectious Disease and Immunity, Clinical and Translational Center, Brain and Behavioral Health Institute and Cancer Center.

Highlights of teaching:

MGM is committed to delivering the best education for medical and graduate students as well as mentorship in our laboratories for students interested in cutting edge research in biomedical sciences. Our recent growth in immunology and inflammation greatly strengthens our primary MGM educational responsibility in leading the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) Immunology Block.

Highlights of service: Supporting research and education

All members of the MGM faculty strive to provide a vibrant intellectual environment for trainees and represent a strong community of scholars within the institution by providing leadership in scholarly activities and education. Many MGM faculty members play leadership roles in several Signature Programs including the Cancer Center and the Center for Infectious Disease and Immunity, and contribute to other activities in the HSC and SOM, including the Clinical and Translational Science Center, the Institute for Brain and Behavioral Health, the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program Steering Committee, Medical School Admissions Committee, the BA/MD Program, and the Research Allocations Committee.