Microbiology Program
Microbiology Program
Microbiology Program
Microbiology Program
Microbiology Program
The Doctoral Program in Microbiology provides advanced training and education for students with the desire and ability to thrive in a stimulating, research-oriented graduate program leading to careers in science in the academic, governmental, or private sectors.
MICROBIOLOGY GRADUATE PROGRAM STUDENT HIGHLIGHT
Gabrielle Vragel, PhD Candidate, van Dyk and Clambey Labs
Gabrie is a 4th-year PhD candidate in the labs of Dr. Linda van Dyk and Eric Clambey. In the lab, Gabrie investigates gammaherpesviruses, which include Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), the cause of infectious mononucleosis, and Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV). EBV infects over 90% of the global population, yet there is still no vaccine to prevent infection. Both viruses can cause cancer in hosts that are immunocompromised, such as individuals on immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant or those with HIV/AIDS. Gabrie more specifically studies the mouse homolog, MHV68, a mouse virus that is highly similar to EBV in its genetics, infection, and associated symptoms. Her project focuses on characterizing MHV68 infection in macrophages, with particular emphasis on the resulting changes in gene expression and inflammatory cell death.
Gabrie has recently been awarded the Presidents Inclusive Excellence Award in 2025 in the student category and an ARCS Scholarship in 2025. She will also defend her thesis in October of this year!
Outside the lab, Gabrie loves to read. She says reading is the best escape from the world, and she loves exploring new fantasy worlds or atmospheric fiction. She especially enjoys reading when curled up with her cat Theo. Beyond reading, Gabrie enjoys exploring the world with her partner, Matthew, and their dog, Apollo. Their favorite city they have travelled to is Prague.
A piece of advice Gabrie has to offer about grad school is to not let the stress and pressure take away your happiness or your core self. There is always an end and there is always a next step. The best thing you can do is stay true to who you are and be resilient. (also meal prep!)
Access & Belonging
We aspire to build a medical campus community that thrives on access and community engagement; strives to eliminate social injustices and health disparities through measurable commitments, strategic, systemic and sustainable systems of accountability; and demonstrates trust and respect for ALL through inclusive practices and policies.
As a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative education, science, medicine and health care, we will combine efforts and leverage all of the campus missions to attain our goal. This includes expanding on the endeavors of the former Community-Campus Partnership program and strengthening the collaboration with our hospital partners.
CU Anschutz Office of Access and Engagement
Facilitates initiatives and programs in collaboration with colleagues from across campus and community members to enhance awareness, encourage and support meaningful contributions to advancing Access and Engagement efforts, increase a sense of belonging on campus, and invoke change as it relates to health equity. Learn More.
CU Anschutz PhD Program Student Statistics
As a member of the Coalition for Next Generation Life Science, the Graduate School provides detailed statistics from Biomedical Science programs on: Admissions and matriculation data of PhD students, Average time-to-degree and completion data for PhD programs, and Demographics of PhD students by gender, underrepresented minority status, and citizenship status.
Office of Disability, Access, & Inclusion
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LGBTQ+ HUB
The LGBTQ+ Hub as a one-stop shop that can achieve a campus and Aurora community culture where LGBTQ+ people are highly visible, are fully included and integrated in leadership, day-to-day living, communication and dialogue, and where vibrant partnerships exist between the LGBTQ+ Hub and the campus and Aurora communities-at-large.
Education: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 101
Make a report or learn more about important considerations related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) such as language, bias, and identity. Learn More
Undocumented Student Services
Our university remains committed to providing access to all qualified students, including students under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow (ASSET) programs. We are pleased to provide a variety of services, support, and information for students, faculty, and staff to help undocumented students succeed at CU Anschutz
