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PhD Program in Pathology

Education / Graduate Education / PhD Programs / PhD Program in Pathology / Research

 

Research

Cancer Biology

The Pathology PhD program has research groups investigating a wide variety of topics in cancer biology. The James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute (WCI) is leading efforts in cancer biology at the University and includes faculty from many different clinical and basic science departments.  Areas under current investigation include radiation biology, solid tumor biology, blood cancers, cancer biomarkers, cancer susceptibility factors, cancer genomics, cancer immunology, and cancer therapeutics.

Cell Biology and Genetics of Human Disease

Cardiovascular Disease

The Pathology PhD program includes research groups studying a vast array of disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. Many are members of the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI).  These groups use state of the art cell biological and clinical tools to investigate heart and blood vessel function and disease states, with particular focus on determining the molecular pathways controlling cardiac and vessel disease, developing new diagnostic tools for early detection of cardiovascular disease, and using regenerative biology to speed recovery.

Lung Biology and Disease

The Pathology PhD program includes research groups interested in the underlying cell biology and physiology of lung development and disease. Many are members of the Lung Biology and Disease Program. There are active research programs probing developmental lung disorders, complications following surgery, the effects of environmental exposure on lung function, and age related lung disease. Research topics include lung cancer, neonatal lung disease that results from premature birth, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infection, environmental exposure of airborne toxins, asthma, and lung scarring.

Metabolic Disorders, Reproduction and Physiology

Many of our Pathology PhD program researchers are focused on disorders of metabolic processes and basic cellular physiology. Work in these areas include extensive efforts studying diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, cellular stress, mitochondrial biology and disorders, fertility and obesity.

Neurologic and Sensory Systems Biology

The University of Rochester has active research programs investigating the biology underlying neurologic and sensory system function. Using a variety of advanced cell biological techniques, these groups study low vision and blindness, hearing and balance disorders, and oral disease. There is a wide spectrum of research in these areas, from developmental disorders affecting children to age-related sensory loss.  

The University of Rochester has researchers investigating many different neurological diseases. These groups, which span over 10 departments and multiple centers, study both neurological disease (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, psychiatric disorders) and fundamental biology of the brain that contributes to disease onset and progression (e.g. glial biology, neuroinflammation, glymphatic system). Furthermore, neurodegenerative diseases are studied using a variety of models systems, and in patients.

Hematology and Immunology

The Pathology PhD program has research groups investigating a variety of topics related to inflammation, blood borne disease, and immune system dysfunction.  These groups work in numerous departments and centers throughout the University of Rochester. Current areas being actively studied include autoimmune disorders, leukemia, immune responses to bacterial and viral infections, tumor immunology and susceptibility to allergy.

Orthopaedics, Craniofacial, and Musculoskeletal Research

The Pathology PhD program faculty study various aspects of the musculoskeletal system. Many of these faculty are members of the URMC Center for Musculoskeletal Research, one the nation’s top NIH funded centers for orthopaedic research. Major research areas include bone biology and disease, cartilage biology and arthritis, musculoskeletal stem cell biology, musculoskeletal repair and maintenance, musculoskeletal development, and bone cancer biology.