The University of Georgia leads the charge in dynamic STEM education through a novel program of graduate study. Interdisciplinary Disease Ecology Across Scales (IDEAS) is a National Science Foundation supported Research Traineeship Program that trains PhD students in new ways to solve infectious disease problems occurring across different scales of biological organization. This program integrates various biological disciplines as related to infectious disease and includes quantitative training, science communication, and professional development. Graduates can expect to move fluidly and confidently throughout the academic and professional sectors. Our curriculum is oriented at effectively addressing the challenges related to infectious disease dynamics in changing environments.

IDEAS devised a PhD curriculum comprised of the four essential objectives for scientific research.

1. A strong conceptual foundation in infectious disease biology that spans the sub-cellular to biosphere scales
2. Advanced technical and modeling skills that provide an analytical toolbox for moving fluidly across scales
3. Transferable skills fostered through diverse professional development opportunities and communications training
4. A global perspective on infectious disease issues

These learning objectives are achieved through a unique blend of interdisciplinary curricular elements, participation in professional development activities, and through independent and collaborative research.