Students will have the opportunity to join faculty research programs across a spectrum of topics including: pathogenic microbiology, virology, cancer cell and molecular biology, and cellular and molecular immunology. Specific research areas include microbial physiology, bacterial pathogenicity, cellular and molecular immunology, tumor immunology, lymphocyte differentiation, membrane biology, molecular virology, molecular genetics, and gene regulation. Students will utilize the techniques of molecular biology, genetic engineering, genomics, array technology, transgenic technology, hybridoma technology, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

The program of study is tailored to the individual background and career goals of the student and stresses an interdepartmental approach both in the selection of courses and in the pursuit of research. The most important aspect of the doctoral program from University of Kentucky is an independent research thesis under the direction of the student's mentor. Students are expected to participate in graduate seminars, journal clubs, and research seminars, to interact with visiting scholars and to present the results of their research at local and national meetings. Financial aid is available for qualified students.