With the goal of nurturing well-rounded scientists and citizens, our graduate programs provide a number of forums for personal and professional development within our community of researchers. At our weekly seminars and regular research symposia, our graduate students and faculty advisors gather to share in the latest scientific developments from both department members and visiting scholars.
The Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Student Society (MIGGS) is an active student-led organization that represents the department's graduate cohort. MIGGS hosts regular events that provide opportunities for peer-to-peer relationship building, mentorship and networking, and informal presentation of research findings. The society also evaluates graduate student satisfaction and works to advocate for student interests.
By engaging in the educational mission of the department, our graduate students develop skills in teaching, communication, and leadership. As teaching assistants, graduate students help to prepare course material, conduct lecture and laboratory sessions, grade assignments, and hold office hours to answer questions and support student learning. Graduate students interested in additional experience can apply to teach a portion of a course independently as a sessional lecturer. They may also serve as a reviewer or editor for the Undergraduate Journal of Experimental Microbiology and Immunology (UJEMI).