Heart-Shaped Macrophage Infected with mCherry-labeled BCG
©Marina Slawinski, May Lab
Zebrafish T-cells Highlighted Green Against Red Blood Vessels
© Tanner Robertson, Huttenlocher Lab
Fixed HMPV Infected LLC-Mk2 Cells Stained Blue Against a Viral Fusion Protein
©Williams Lab
An Egg Infected with Bioluminescent Influenza Virus
© A. Mehle, Mehle Lab
Hawaiian Bobtail Squid
© R. Isenberg, Mandel Lab
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.
Who We Are
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. The Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology is housed under the School of Medicine and Public Health.
6
Areas of Research
25+
Research Laboratories
150+
Faculty, researchers, trainees, and staff.
Top Ranked
Microbiology Doctoral Training Program
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Meet Our Researchers
Nancy Keller, PhD
“I was inspired to go to graduate school, majoring in Plant Pathology, from my years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho, a country in Southern Africa.”
Shai Bel, PhD
“Remember that science is like looking for a black cat in a dark room. This means that your advisor is fumbling in that dark room just like you are. They don’t have flashlight either. The only difference between you is that your advisor’s eyes have become a little more accustomed to the dark.”
Gustavo Caballero-Flores, PhD
“Since my very first biology classes until now, I have always been intrigued by the microscopic organisms present in our body, and all around us, and how we interact with them every day without realizing it.”
Upcoming Events
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Sep 18Microbe-Based Strategies to Eradicate Uropathogens from the Urogenital Mucosa
Dr. Katy Patras, Baylor College
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Oct 9
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Oct 16From Poop to Practice: Bridging Correlation and Causation in the Gut
Dr. Jay Vornhagen, Indiana University
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Oct 23
Recent News
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Dr. Laura Knoll Receives Grant for Biomedical Workforce Training Initiative
Laura Knoll, PhD, associate dean for basic research training and professor, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), has received a…
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Dr. Andrew Mehle Honored with Prestigious Kellett Mid-Career Award
Dr. Andrew Mehle has been selected as a recipient of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s distinguished Kellett Mid-Career Award, one of the institution’s highest recognitions for faculty excellence. The award recognizes outstanding faculty…
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Jeniel Nett and Research Team Identify Target for Dangerous Fungal Infections
A multidisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has identified a promising new therapeutic candidate against Candida auris, an emerging fungal pathogen that has alarmed health officials worldwide because of its…
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