The Molecular Oncology and Immunology (MOI) graduate program combines the resources of basic science and clinical medicine to develop an interdisciplinary approach to understanding disease processes. Research in this program focuses on the intersection of cancer biology and the immune system, aiming to understand how intra cellular signaling, extracellular matric and the immune system 3 interact in normal and diseased states. Understanding of these multi-faceted cross talks can be leveraged for therapeutic purposes. Trainees in this program will have an opportunity to conduct independent research under the guidance of world renown faculty to investigate new pathways that underlie cancer and inflammatory diseases. Discoveries made by scientists in this program are also developing the next generation of drugs and biomarkers.
The MOI program equips students with advanced knowledge research and training to develop into the next generation of scientists that can lead the pathway to groundbreaking discoveries. The investigators in this program blend theoretical learning with practical research experience, preparing students to tackle the complex challenges in this rapidly evolving field. Apart from excellent research forums the program also provides career development workshops annually to expose students to careers within and outside academics and the pathways to excel.
MOI students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops/classes that offer
training in effective presentation skills, and grant writing. The program recognizes
the importance of scientific communication and networking at scientific meetings.
It does this by supporting student travel to national/international meetings to present
their research. Students are also eligible to apply for the support through the Georgia Cancer Center Paceline funding.
Dr. Balveen Kaur is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and serves as the associate director for the Georgia Cancer Center. Dr Kaur is a translational cancer drug development scientist and is passionate about training the next generation of scientists who will change the way we think about medicine.
Dr. Balveen Kaur
Program Director
bkaur@augusta.edu
(706) 721-8415
CN-3311
Amanda Bryant
Program Coordinator
abryant9@augusta.edu
(706) 721-4621
“I work in the cell and gene therapy space and my project is focused on improving the efficacy of adoptive cell therapy via constitutive STAT5 activation.”
- Ogacheko Okoko
“I joined MOI because I realized it was the best program to learn more about my project and explore the role of the immune system in a broad context. I hope that the program helps me achieve that goal and also helps me become a better immunologist in the future and in turn, a better doctor when I return to my MD studies.”
-Megh Mehta