# Molecular Basis of Host Parasite Interaction

> **NIH NIH T32** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $505,435

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The global burden of disease caused by microbial pathogens is one of the largest challenges facing the
biomedical community, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Threats of emerging infectious disease and
resistance to antimicrobial therapies highlight the growing need for vaccines and therapeutics, plus training
programs for scientists to ensure ongoing cutting-edge research will improve human health. The rationale for
this Training Program, active for 35 years, is the necessity for increased knowledge of the complex interactions
between pathogens, microbiota, and the host immune system. The multi-disciplinary Microbiology & Immunology
department is a rich environment where students learn to challenge established thinking and address scientific
challenges. We aim to train the best and brightest students and postdocs, with mentoring in the laboratories of
Program faculty to gain the skills needed to develop rigorous, impactful, well-funded research programs at the
leading-edge of research in host-microbial interactions. We provide a strong foundation in fundamental research
elucidating the molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and host-microbe interactions, while
emphasizing translational research, human studies, and the problems that clinicians face in the treatment of
infectious disease. Additional key elements of the training program include rigorous coursework, trainee-invited
speakers, a departmental scientific conference for presentation and interaction, and a student-organized
scientific retreat for cohesion and scientific exchange. Trainees are involved in teaching activities and are
provided opportunities to become effective mentors and teachers, including a required TA-ship. Program
enhancements include added learning in critical concepts in responsible conduct of research and increased
emphasis on gaining knowledge in performing rigorous and reproducible research through formal courses taught
by Program faculty, and laboratory training. The training program has greatly expanded efforts in recruitment,
retention, and career development, with several initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels
of the Program. Graduate student trainees are appointed upon admission to Stanford for up to 2 years; postdocs
typically for 1 year; we are requesting renewal of 6 graduate and 2 postdoctoral slots per year for 5 additional
years of funding. Required trainees-advisor IDP meetings along with substantial events and resources in career
development facilitate transitions into the biomedical workforce; for the past 10 years we have exceeded our
goal of 95% retention of our trainees in STEM-related fields. The Program benefits from the exceptional
environment and we leverage substantial School of Medicine and University resources, programs, and
engagement. Students and postdocs are successful, publishing high-impact papers and finding leading positions
in all aspects of science, from research to teaching to co...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10935532
- **Project number:** 2T32AI007328-36A1
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JUSTIN L SONNENBURG
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $505,435
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1987-09-01 → 2029-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10935532

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10935532, Molecular Basis of Host Parasite Interaction (2T32AI007328-36A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10935532. Licensed CC0.

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