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
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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Recent News
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MMI Affiliate Professor Anne Marie Singh Receives Vilas Mid-Career Award
Eighteen professors received Vilas Faculty Mid-Career Investigator Awards, recognizing research and teaching excellence. The award provides flexible research funding for three years. Anne Marie Singh, MD, is a professor of pediatrics, interim…
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Dr. David Andes Selected as 2026 Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters Fellow
The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters announced the 2026 class of Fellows, recognizing sixteen Wisconsinites who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and public service. Among this year’s…
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New Summer Internship Opens Doors for Aspiring Young Scientists
A new summer opportunity is launching to aspiring young scientists in the Madison area. Through a partnership with the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the LSC Kramer…
SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT
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