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!”
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.”
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.”
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.
Upcoming Events
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Dec13
MMI Seminar Series: Nels Elde @ 12:00 pm CST - 1:00 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Jan24
MMI Seminar Series: Christina Stallings @ 12:00 pm CST - 1:00 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Jan31
MMI Seminar Series: Dr. Vincent Racaniello @ 12:00 pm CST - 1:00 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Feb14
MMI Seminar Series: Tamia Harris-Tryon @ 12:00 pm CST - 1:00 pm CST 1520 MSB
Recent News
Nancy Keller Featured in The Scientist
How a Moldy Cantaloupe Took Fleming’s Penicillin from Discovery to Mass Production Alexander Fleming’s 1928 discovery of a mold with antibacterial properties was only the first serendipitous event on the long road to penicillin as …
Prioritizing Mental Health on World Mental Health Day
Today, on World Mental Health Day, we want to take a moment to acknowledge something we often forget in the rush of our daily lives: mental health matters to all of us. It’s easy to …
MDTP Alum Ruth Isenberg Receives Nat L. Sternberg Thesis Prize
September 30, 2024 | Mary Ellen Gabriel | HONORS & AWARDS Ruth Isenberg, a first-generation college student who earned her PhD in microbiology from the UW–Madison Microbiology Doctoral Training Program in 2023, was awarded the 2024 …
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