Dr. Michael Abt

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Michael C. Abt is an Assistant Professor in the Microbiology Department at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. His research focuses on investigating immune-microbiome interactions, particularly how the microbiome, comprising bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, modulates immune defense pathways and alters host susceptibility to infections. His lab's research integrates mucosal immunology, microbial pathogenesis, and microbial ecology to explore mechanisms of immune homeostasis and protective immunity, specifically against Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that infects the large intestine and poses a significant public health threat in the United States due to its high recurrence rates following antibiotic treatments. The Abt lab aims to develop alternative strategies for controlling C. difficile disease, including microbiota-based therapeutics, through understanding the mechanisms of action. Additionally, the lab conducts studies using murine models and human clinical samples to elucidate immune-microbiota regulation of C. difficile associated diseases, generating insights applicable to treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases driven by dysbiosis. The lab is also actively recruiting graduate students for rotational projects.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.