Science Comes Alive in Italy – Studying Biology in Cortona

This summer, a group of 40 undergraduate students from the UGA Franklin College of Arts and Sciences traveled to Cortona, Italy for a special three-week Maymester study abroad program “Biology for Medicine” taught by professors Zachary Wood and Robert Haltiwanger, faculty members in the department of biochemistry and molecular biology. The students also took an art history class taught by professor Anatole Upart focusing on Italian art, with weekend trips to, Siena, Florence, and Rome. 

Designed for students interested in careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science, pharmacy, and other health-related fields, the curriculum included lectures on Biology of Cancer (Cancer: The Enemy Within) and Biology of Infectious Diseases (Infectious Diseases: The Enemy Without). They kicked off with a “bootcamp” to bring everyone up on the Central Dogma: DNA --> mRNA --> Proteins. Then the class was split into two groups -- one studying cancer with Haltiwanger and the other studying Infectious Diseases with Wood, with the groups switching after one week.  

Topics covered in the cancer section included defining cancer, the different types, causes, and molecular mechanisms of cancer therapy. The infectious disease section covered bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens, with a focus on host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. In the final week, student groups gave presentations focused on a particular cancer or a specific infectious disease. 

“It is hard for a science major to take an entire semester abroad because of the rigorous curriculum, but this Maymester course is perfect – they learn science as well as having the experience of living in Italy for nearly a month,” said Haltiwanger, Professor and GRA Eminent Scholar in Biomedical Glycosciences, 

 A quiet hilltop community in the Tuscany region of Italy, Cortona is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and farmland, on the crest of Mount S. Egidio overlooking the beautiful Val di Chiana. The town is rich in history and art, with buildings and architecture from the Etruscan, Roman, Romanesque, and Renaissance periods. During the program, students lived in a renovated 15th-century monastery that served as both living quarters and classroom space.  

Poorvi Iyer, a junior biochemistry and molecular biology student, found her study abroad provided real-world experiences and opportunities for her future career as a physician.  

“Working with our amazing instructors while participating in their small, interactive lecture course, allowed me to gain a conceptual understanding of mechanistic pathways in cancer biology and infectious diseases,” said Iyer. “I have already been able to apply this knowledge to an internship I completed over the summer looking at antigen presentation machinery deficits in Head and Neck Cancers. This aspect, coupled with a deepened cultural understanding of Italy, helps to shape my worldview as an aspiring physician.”   

Not only did Iyer gain the professional opportunities for her career, but she was able to immerse herself in Italian culture and have fun. 

“As a food lover, Italy certainly did not disappoint. From the five-course dinner provided by the program at Osteria del Teatro, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, to the TikTok-famous mortadella and pistachio sandwich from Panetteria e Stuzzicheria de' Neri which we waited in line 2 hours for—even the daily 2-euro gelato to end my day always hit the spot,” said Iyer. “I particularly remember the everyday dinners at Antonio's, where we had the chance to simply sit down and connect with other Cortona Maymester students. Exploring the streets of Cortona, even if it just meant a nighttime walk up the hill from dinner, truly made it the best summer ever!”  

The program offers a balance of academic challenges and cultural immersion, giving students the chance to explore a new country while learning about the science behind modern medicine.