The mission of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology is to provide comprehensive scientific instruction to students, conduct 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, our labs study the roles of diet, the immune system and the gut-brain-axis in the intestinal microbiome.
Meet Our Researchers
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!”
John Williams, PhD
“Viruses are like super cool little beasts. Plus, disease always involves the virus and the host – that biological conversation fascinates me.”
Marta Gaglia, PhD
“We are often told that there is one way to do this job and this career – it is not true. If you want to do it, you can do it your own way.”
Upcoming Events
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Nov14
Tuft Cells at the Nexus of Diet, Microbiome, and Mucosal Immunity Dr. Claire O'Leary, UW-Madison @ 12:00 pm CST - 12:50 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Nov21
Mechanisms of Stress Resistance in Bacteria Dr. Sean Crosson, Michigan State University @ 12:00 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Dec05
Mechanistic Insights into the Tug-of-War of Staphylococcus aureus Pathobiology Dr. Victor Torres, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @ 12:00 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Jan30
The Lung: Where Allergic Inflammation and Infectious Agents Meet Dr. Amali Samarasinghe, UW-Madison @ 12:05 pm CST - 12:55 pm CST 1520 MSB
Recent News
Dr. Andrew Hryckowian Receives Vilas Faculty Early-Career Investigator Award
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has announced that Dr. Andrew Hryckowian, assistant professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, has been selected to receive a Vilas Faculty Early-Career Investigator Award. This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding early-career faculty …
Dr. Jeniel Nett Tackles Catheter-Related Infections Through Collaboration
Spotlight on Collaborative Health Science: Dr. Jeniel Nett Leads Innovative Research to Combat Catheter-Related Infections The Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has awarded $3.6 million through its Collaborative Health Sciences …
Dr. May and Colleagues Organize COMBINE 2025
The Computational Modeling in Biology Network (COMBINE) brings together experts to advance community standards and data formats in systems biology and related fields. We’re excited to share that COMBINE 2025 will be a workshop-style event …
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