Dr. Stephen Polyak

Professor

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Biography

Dr. Stephen Polyak is a Research Professor and Director of the Master's Laboratory Medicine Graduate Program at UW Medicine. He oversees the Certificate Program in Clinical Laboratory Leadership & Management and holds adjunct positions in the Departments of Global Health and Microbiology at the University of Washington. His academic endeavors focus on educating future scientists and laboratorians, supervising numerous MS and PhD thesis committees, and teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. Dr. Polyak's research primarily investigates virus-host interactions, particularly studying flaviviruses such as hepatitis C and Zika, filoviruses including Ebola and Marburg, as well as arenaviruses, coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, and alphaviruses. His lab utilizes both botanical natural products and synthetic drugs to explore antiviral properties and has significant expertise in cell culture systems. Current research initiatives center on the development of oral drug combinations for pandemic preparedness and response. Dr. Polyak's work has received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) including NIAID, NIDDK, NCCIH, and NIAAA, and he serves as a reviewer for various virology and cell biology journals internationally.

Research Interests

Experience

Research Professor

1998-01-01 — Present

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Leader of faculty research initiatives in laboratory medicine, focusing on virology.

Director, Master's Laboratory Medicine Graduate Program

1998-01-01 — Present

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Oversees the graduate program, ensuring quality curriculum and research opportunities.

Adjunct Professor

— Present

Department of Global Health, University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Teaches courses and supervises students in global health initiatives.

Adjunct Professor

— Present

Department of Microbiology, University of Washington • Seattle, WA

Provides academic support and research guidance in microbiology.

Requirements for University of Washington

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:6.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:105
Overall
Required:105
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • English proficiency scores (for international students)
Specialization Notes

Standard Graduate School requirements for University of Washington apply to most departments listed unless specified otherwise by the program.