University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

This PhD programme combines advanced coursework, hands-on laboratory training and independent dissertation research centred on hygiene, tropical infectious diseases and global health systems. Students typically follow a personalised plan of study that draws on clinical medicine, epidemiology, immunology, parasitology, vector biology and public health sciences.

• Core topics and modules: advanced epidemiology and study design; biostatistics for clinical and population research; research ethics and clinical trials methodology; host–pathogen interactions; immunology of infectious diseases.
• Specialist tropical medicine subjects: parasitology and helminth biology; malaria and arbovirus biology; neglected tropical diseases; vector ecology and control; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions.
• Laboratory and technical skills: molecular diagnostics, pathogen culture and isolation, serology, genomic and bioinformatic approaches, and field-adapted diagnostic methods.
• Field and applied components: population-based surveillance, outbreak investigation, implementation science and evaluation of public health interventions in diverse settings. Opportunities exist for local and international field placements depending on research focus and supervisor partnerships.
• Research training: supervised dissertation research leading to original contributions to the understanding, prevention or control of tropical and hygiene-related diseases. Training includes grant writing, scientific communication and teaching experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example in medicine, public health, biomedical sciences, microbiology or a related field) with strong research experience. Exceptional applicants with a bachelor’s degree and substantial research or clinical experience may also be considered.

• Academic qualifications: a graduate degree in a relevant discipline; demonstrable coursework in biological or public health sciences is advantageous.
• Research experience: prior laboratory or field research experience, evidenced by a research thesis, publications, conference presentations or documented project work.
• Supporting documents: curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can comment on research potential.
• Language and other requirements: proficiency in English is required; applicants whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of language ability in line with university policy. Candidates should identify potential faculty supervisors whose research aligns with their interests prior to application.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across academia, public health practice and the philanthropic and private sectors. Typical pathways include:

• Academic researcher or faculty member in tropical medicine, infectious disease or global health departments.
• Research scientist or programme lead in national and international public health agencies, ministries of health, or multilateral organisations focused on disease control and surveillance.
• Technical specialist or policy advisor for non-governmental organisations and global health NGOs working on WASH, NTDs, malaria, and epidemic preparedness.
• Clinical researcher in hospital-based or community clinical trials and translational research units.
• Scientific roles in industry, including diagnostics, vaccine development and public health consultancies.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati hosts an academic medical centre and research environment that supports interdisciplinary infectious disease and global health research. Students benefit from collaborations across clinical departments, public health programmes and affiliated hospitals, providing access to clinical populations, advanced laboratory facilities and applied field research opportunities.

• Interdisciplinary mentorship: faculty with expertise in infectious diseases, epidemiology, immunology and environmental health who supervise bespoke doctoral projects.
• Clinical and community partnerships: connections with regional hospitals, public health departments and community health initiatives that facilitate translational and implementation-focused research.
• Research infrastructure: laboratory core facilities, biostatistics and bioinformatics support, and opportunities to participate in externally funded projects and collaborative centres.
• Professional development: structured training in grant writing, teaching, scientific communication and leadership to prepare graduates for diverse careers in global health.

Prospective students should contact potential supervisors in advance to discuss research fit and available resources for projects in hygiene and tropical medicine.