News Release
|
Office of News and Information Johns Hopkins University 901 South Bond Street, Suite 540 Baltimore, Maryland 21231 Phone: 443-287-9960 | Fax: 443-287-9920 |
May 12, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Ken Schappelle (202) 452-1910 kschappelle@jhu.edu |
Collaborative Relationship
Agreement will expand educational opportunities in
biodefense research field
The Johns Hopkins University and the U.S. Army have agreed to work together to train scientists to develop vaccines and medicines to defend against biological attacks.
Students accepted into the program will study part-time to earn Johns Hopkins Master of Science in Biotechnology degrees with concentrations in biodefense. Simultaneously, they will work for the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), located at Fort Detrick, Md.
Under a five-year agreement between Johns Hopkins' Advanced Biotechnology Studies Program and USAMRIID, graduate students will be employed under the Army's Student Career Experience Program and will be eligible for Army reimbursement of their Johns Hopkins tuition.
"Based on a long history of excellence in biotechnology research and education at both institutions, this is an invaluable cooperative effort that will significantly enhance the educational opportunities of our biodefense students," said Richard McCarty, chair of the Advanced Biotechnology Studies program in the university's Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Advanced Academic Programs. "We hope it will lead to future interactions and joint scientific research between our respective faculty and scientists."
Johns Hopkins advisors will work with students to select an appropriate course structure that will capitalize on the resources being offered by USAMRIID, such as research staff and laboratory facilities.
USAMRIID does basic and applied research on biological threats to develop vaccines, drugs and tests to protect soldiers, but much of the science it produces is also applied to civilian medicine.
"USAMRIID is very excited about sponsoring these master's students and offering them the opportunity to work at USAMRIID on vaccines and therapeutics against extremely interesting pathogens," said Peter Hobart, USAMRIID's science director. "This is one more manifestation of the institute's keen interest in working closely with colleges and universities to train the next generation of scientists."
About the Advanced Biotechnology Studies part-time Master of Science in Biotechnology Program: Grounded in biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology, this program allows students to delve into pure science, applied science, lab science, regulatory affairs, and biotechnology enterprise. They can pursue a general master's in biotechnology or focus on one of three concentrations that are available fully online: bioinformatics, biotechnology enterprise, or regulatory affairs. Concentrations in biodefense and molecular targets and drug discovery require some on-site instruction.
For more information about Johns Hopkins' part-time graduate degree available through the Advanced Biotechnology Studies Program, please visit biotechnology.jhu.edu or contact our academic advisors:
About USAMRIID:Patrick Cummings, Senior Associate Program Chair Biotechnology 410-516-4724; cupat@jhu.edu
Dr. Kristina Obom, Associate Program Chair Biotechnology/Bioinformatics 301-294-7159; kobom@jhu.edu
Lynn Johnson Langer, Senior Associate Program Chair Biotechnology (MS/MBA, Bioscience Regulatory Affairs, and Biotechnology Enterprise) 301-294-7063; ljlanger@jhu.edu
USAMRIID, located at Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the lead medical research laboratory for the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program, and plays a key role in national defense and in infectious disease research. The institute conducts basic and applied research on biological threats resulting in medical solutions (such as vaccines, drugs and diagnostics) to protect the warfighter. While USAMRIID's primary mission is focused on the military, its research often has applications that benefit society as a whole. USAMRIID is a subordinate laboratory of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command. For more information, visit www.usamriid.army.mil.
Go to