Dr. Victor Nizet

Professor

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Biography

Victor Nizet is a Distinguished Professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His research focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and the innate immune system, particularly with regards to invasive antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Utilizing various molecular genetic approaches, his laboratory identifies and characterizes bacterial virulence factors involved in cytotoxicity, adherence, invasion, and inflammation. Nizet's work aims to elucidate host factors such as antimicrobial peptides and surface receptors that play a role in the defense against invasive bacterial infection, leading to the development of novel treatment strategies. His research has made significant contributions to understanding how existing pharmaceuticals can be repurposed to enhance the innate immune response against infections. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the American Lung Association Career Investigator Award and the NIH Merit Award. Nizet also leads collaborative programs addressing antibiotic-resistant microbes.

Research Interests

Experience

Distinguished Professor

— Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Teaching and research focused on microbiology and immunology.

Chief, Division of Host-Microbe Systems & Therapeutics

— Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Oversight of research and education in host-pathogen interactions.

Vice Chair, Basic Research

— Present

Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Leadership in research development and mentorship.

Awards

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Career Investigator Award

#

Established Investigator Award

#

E. Mead Johnson Award for Research in Pediatrics

#

NIH Merit Award

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).