The Department of Molecular Genetics congratulates its doctoral trainees who have been named recipients of the 2026 Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium Doctoral Awards.
The Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium, EPIC, is a University of Toronto–wide network that brings together researchers, trainees, and partners to address current and emerging infectious disease challenges. A central focus of EPIC is advanced training that supports collaborative, interdisciplinary research to reduce the global burden of infectious diseases.
EPIC Doctoral Awards support outstanding PhD candidates whose research integrates multiple disciplines and institutional partnerships. The fourth competition, launched in September 2025, was open to students who achieved PhD candidacy within the previous two calendar years. This year’s competition supported 18 students across five faculties, ten departments, and three hospital partners.
Department of Molecular Genetics Award Recipients
Daniella Serrador
Thesis title: Characterizing the impact of metals on bacteria of the vaginal microbiome Supervisor: Dr. William Navarre
Elizabeth Chaney
Thesis title: Interrogating host susceptibility to a newly discovered Legionella pneumophila phage Supervisor: Dr. Alexander Ensminger
These awards recognize research excellence and highlight the strength of infectious disease research within the Department of Molecular Genetics.
