Program Leadership

Welcome From the Director

Program Director Christopher LaRock, PhD

Welcome to the MMG program at Emory! We offer training in the disciplines of bacteriology and virology, with special interests in the molecular biology and genetics of bacteria and viruses, mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and resistance to therapeutics, and basic principles of microbial physiology and viral replication. Our students perform cutting edge research in these and other areas. They also take advantage of the numerous collaborations available through entities such as the Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Center for Excellence for Influenza Research and Response and the Centers for Disease Control. Here you’ll find an equitable and inclusive professional training environment focused on producing a next generation of scientists poised to make an impact in the microbial sciences and beyond.

Director of Graduate Studies

Shonna McBride, PhD

Head Recruiter

Chris Neufeldt, PhD 

Executive Committee

Lizzy Draganova, PhD (At-Large Member)
Marcin Grabowicz, PhD (Curriculum Chair)
Lefteris Michailidis, PhD (Seminar Director)
Chris LaRock, PhD (Director)
Bo Liang, PhD (At-Large Member)
Anice Lowen, PhD (At-Large Member)
Megan Martinez (Student Representative)
Shonna McBride, PhD (Director of Graduate Studies)
Chris Neufeldt, PhD (Head Recruiter)
Ammar Zafar, PhD (Web Advisory Representative/Social Media)