PROJECT SUMMARY
The purpose of this application is to support the Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis education program
(MOMY) at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA. MOMY is now approaching its 25th
anniversary at the MBL. Over the course’s history it has provided pivotal training for a scientific workforce to
meet the world’s biomedical research needs related to the growing incidence of, and limited therapeutic
options for, human fungal infections. Simply put, there is an urgent need for new research with human
fungal infections given the rapid advances in immune modulating medical therapies that often result in
opportunistic fungal infections. MOMY has addressed both the significant impact of fungi on morbidity and
mortality in immune compromised patient populations, as well as the role of fungi as microbiome
components that affect health and disease. Our intensive and immersive MOMY program provides trainees
hands-on laboratory skill training by leading scientists in the fields of fungal biology, immunology & host
response, and antifungal drug development. These skills are critical to develop and promote a well-trained
workforce in the face of the growing threat posed by fungi to human well-being. MOMY’s objective during
the 2 week course is to provide foundational knowledge and training in the techniques, procedures, and
concepts in molecular mycology through direct experiences working with fungi and animal models of fungal
disease. Importantly, MOMY provides critical career mentoring and professional development opportunities
throughout the course to all participants. We achieve our objective in part through the participation of a
diverse and committed faculty who are leading experts from the mycology community. Our specifics aims
are: (1) To provide in-depth instruction on fundamental contemporary skills in molecular medical mycology;
(2) To provide mentored research opportunities based on cutting edge methods and concepts in molecular
medical mycology; and (3) To provide trainees with career mentoring, including professional development
advice, science ethics training, and development of a lifelong professional mentoring network. Overall,
MOMY has a long history of successfully meeting these aims to advance the NIH Mission and advance our
ability to ask, explore, and answer critical questions related to the impact of fungi on human health. The
course remains of utmost significance given the increasing scope and incidence of fungi’s impact on
humanity and the rapid research technological and conceptual advances occurring in our field.