Medical Microbiology & Immunology

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Hawaiian Bobtail Squid
© R. Isenberg, Mandel Lab

An egg infected with bioluminescent influenza virus
© A. Mehle, Mehle Lab

Confocal Micrograph of E. Coli Infected Mouse Bladder Cells
© R. Welch, Welch Lab

Zebrafish T-cells Highlighted Green Against Red Blood Vessels
© Tanner Robertson, Huttenlocher Lab

Micro CT of Bone Erosion in B. Melitensis Infected Mouse
© Judy Smith, Smith Lab

Fungus Hyphae and Spores in Bat Skin Cells
© Klein Lab

The mission of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology is to provide comprehensive scientific instruction to students, conduct novel and meaningful research, and offer consultation and service in microbiology and immunology as they relate to human health and disease.

Since its founding in 1935, the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology has significantly advanced the study of infectious diseases and immunity. Our renowned faculty lead research on bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and viral pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycobacterium sp., Brucella sp., Listeria, Blastomyces, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida, influenza virus, Herpes simplex, enterohemorrhagic E. coli, and uropathogenic Escherichia coli. They also explore immunological topics including regulatory T cell biology, leukocyte migration and vaccine development. Additionally, the department study the roles of diet, the immune system and the gut-brain-axis in the intestinal microbiome.

We offer undergraduates rigorous coursework and research opportunities, and our nationally acclaimed Microbiology Doctoral Training Program allows graduate students to earn a Ph.D.

Margaret Alexander, PhD

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to fail – one of the best parts about science is that “failures” sometimes lead to the most interesting discoveries!”

Meet Maggie!

Meet Our Researchers!


Minju Kim, PhD

“I always liked science, especially biology. Having lab experiences in college led me to the fungal world and to go to grad school.”

Meet Minju!

Jing Fan, PhD

“Be kind to yourself, be kind to others. Enjoy the experience of being a scientist and a student, the experience full of excitement, curiosity, stress, challenges, and fulfillment.”

Meet Jing!

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, and abilities enrich the university.

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