25 Years of Molecular Mycology

More than 65 alumni of MBL's Molecular Mycology (MoMy) Advanced Research Training Course headed to Woods Hole this week to celebrate the course's 25th anniversary.

The reunion symposium, which ran over three days, included lectures from current and past course directors, presentations from alumni, and Cape Cod-style lobster bake.

"The week has been remarkable. Invigorating. To be back in person, at the MBL, with colleagues, current and former trainees, MBL staff, and the sense of place here in Woods Hole, reminded us all how critical this course has been, and continues to be, to our scientific community," said Course Co-Director Robert Cramer, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. "Molecular medical mycology science is moving forward and MoMy is one of the main engines driving basic and translational research discoveries."

The Molecular Mycology: Current Approaches to Fungal Pathogenesis course presents students with the current conceptual models for the pathogenesis of medically-important fungi, specifically Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus. The course trains students in the molecular manipulation of those common pathogens in order to provide hands-on experience with mammalian, invertebrate, and cell culture models to assess virulence and analyze different types of host-pathogen interactions.

"So wonderful to get together with friends and colleagues to celebrate such a formative time for all of us in this special setting," said Course Co-Director David Andes, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2021.

"I am so thankful to all of the faculty, teaching assistants, students, and MBL for 25 amazing years," said Andes. "Can't wait to see what the next 25 years brings."

The next annual MoMy Course is scheduled to run from July 24-August 9, 2022. Applications are due April 4, 2022.