Message from Chairman

Welcome to the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine! Our Department has a long and distinguished history, with deep roots in microbiology, virology, biochemistry and genetics. I am honored to serve as Chairman of a distinguished group of faculty and to oversee exciting new changes in the Department. In early 2010, we relocated to a brand-new research building with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities (Bridgeside Point II). This move has enabled recruitment of additional faculty members to complement our existing strengths in microbial pathogenesis, molecular genetics, biochemistry, and chemical biology. 

MMG Faculty address some of the most important questions facing biomedical research today. For example, how do microorganisms interact with their hosts to cause disease? What are the basic molecular mechanisms that control cellular growth, division, and differentiation? What changes in normal cellular growth regulation account for cellular transformation (cancer) and other diseases? How can basic knowledge in these areas be harnessed as novel approaches to disease prevention and treatment? Our Departmental goals not only include research on complex scientific problems, but also training the next generation of talented young scientists. MMG hosts two major graduate programs in the School of Medicine (MVM and MGDB). Our faculty provide outstanding mentoring to enable students and postdoctoral fellows learn how to identify and tackle critical biomedical research problems.

As you browse through the MMG website, I hope that you sense the excitement of our faculty, students and fellows for their research and their enthusiasm for science. Come and join us as we continue our work at the cutting edge of biomedical research in the 21st century!

Sincerely, 

Thomas E. Smithgall, PhD
William S. McEllroy Professor and Chair

The Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine