Immunology: Immune System and Infectious Diseases

Dr. Sophie Rutschmann is a Reader in Immunology at Imperial College London, where she also serves as the MSc in Immunology Programme Director and the Faculty of Medicine Academic Lead for Digital Education. She has a strong academic background, having trained as an immunologist and geneticist at the Universités Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg and Paris Orsay in France. Dr. Rutschmann completed her PhD under the mentorship of Nobel Prize laureates Professors Jules Hoffmann and Dominique Ferrandon, focusing on the immune response of Drosophila melanogaster to infections. Following her postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute with Professor Bruce Beutler, she joined Imperial College to further explore the genetic regulation of the immune system, particularly in relation to long-term memory immune responses to viral infections.Passionate about education, Dr. Rutschmann actively integrates authentic scientific practices into her teaching, encouraging students to think critically and engage deeply with their subject matter. She has implemented innovative learning experiences, such as student-centered laboratory modules where students design and execute their own research projects. Her commitment to educational excellence has been recognized through various accolades, including a National Teaching Fellowship from AdvanceHE. Dr. Rutschmann's work not only enhances the academic experience for her students but also contributes significantly to the field of immunology through her research and leadership in digital education initiatives at Imperial College

Dr. Malgorzata (Maggie) Trela is a Senior Teaching Fellow at Imperial College London, where she plays a vital role in the MSc Immunology and BSc Medical Biosciences programs. She earned her MSc in Medical Forensic Sciences from Queen Mary University of London and completed her PhD at the University of Wolverhampton, focusing on the role of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in rheumatoid arthritis under the guidance of Professor Paul Nelson. Prior to her current position, Dr. Trela served as a visiting lecturer at Birmingham City University and Wolverhampton University, where she also obtained her teaching qualifications.At Imperial College, Dr. Trela is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for her students by demystifying complex immunological concepts. She is passionate about teaching and aims to foster critical thinking among her students. Her commitment to education is reflected in her involvement in developing innovative teaching methods and course content, including several online courses on immunology available through Coursera, such as "Immunology: Adaptive Immune System" and "Immunology: Autoimmunity, Allergy, and Transplants." Dr. Trela's expertise and enthusiasm for immunology contribute significantly to the academic community at Imperial College London.