MMI Hosts Department Social for New Students
The Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology recently welcomed new students from each of its three graduate programs.
The MMI social gave new students the opportunity to meet and chat with current students, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and staff.
Photo credit: Side A Photography | Ana Tantaros
The Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology recently hosted a social to welcome new MHS, ScM, and PhD students. Current MMI students, as well as faculty, postdocs, and staff attended to meet and get to know this wonderfully diverse group of future scientists.
"We’re very excited to start this academic year and are already off to a great start!” said Kari Debbink, associate teaching professor, director of MMI Graduate Studies, and co-organizer of the event.
The basic science department welcomed 36 MHS, 35 ScM, and 7 PhD students in advance of the fall term that started August 26. About 100 new and current MMI students, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and staff attended the event for good food, great conversation and to give new students the opportunity to connect with current students, faculty, and staff.
Our new students hail from the U.S., Puerto Rico, China, India, Ghana, Canada, Mongolia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh.
View Photo Gallery From MMI Department Social Here.
Photo credit: Side A Photography | Ana Tantaros
New Students Share Thoughts on the Event, Career Goals and What They Want to See and Experience While Living in Baltimore
Ana Medina, MHS ’25
UG Degree from Penn State University. Biobehaviorial Health
"I’m really excited about the bacteriology class and the numerous lab opportunities our School offers. It’s intriguing to explore how bacteria operate and influence their hosts on a deeper level. My experience working in a fermentation lab before starting the MHS program makes this feel like a natural fit for me, and it’s one of the main reasons I chose to study here.
I would love to have a job at the CDC to help control infectious diseases in certain populations. Working with bacteria in a lab gives me the same feeling as a kid at Disney World.
I'm excited to visit the aquarium! I would love to see all the different types of fish and sharks they have. It seems like a good place to relax and enjoy your time."
Misbah Rahman, ScM ’26
Undergraduate degree from Mercer University, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
"The MMI social for me was an amazing experience to interact with current ScM students and get advice on classes and lab rotations. I enjoyed the atmosphere at the social, and everyone was so welcoming!
After graduation I hope to apply to a PhD program, and I'm excited to get more hands-on experience in a lab while learning more about immunology.
Although I have not been in Baltimore for long, I am most excited about living by the water and being able to visit the harbor regularly."
Olivia Tea, ScM ’26
Undergraduate Degree from University of California, Irvine, Microbiology and Immunology
"My favorite part of the MMI social was getting to see everybody, having some good food, and enjoying the opportunity to connect with current students and faculty.
I'm from Sacramento, California and this is my first time on the East Coast! I am very excited to be an ScM MMI student because of the opportunities. I get to connect with the Bloomberg School's outstanding professors and participate in their cutting-edge research in public health.
I'm hoping to pursue a PhD in microbiology after graduation.
I'm really excited to try a Maryland crab, visit the National Aquarium, and explore the local neighborhoods and all that Baltimore has to offer!"