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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Feb20
Commensal Manipulation of Host Immunity Dr. Noah Palm, Yale University @ 12:05 pm CST - 12:55 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Feb27
Electrogenetic Actuation Enabled by Quorum Sensing and Redox Signaling Dr. William E. Bentley, Univ. of Maryland @ 12:05 pm CST - 12:55 pm CST 1520 MSB
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Mar20
Conserved Mechanisms of Protein Translocation and Regulation in Pathogenic Mycobacteria Dr. Patricia Champion, Univ. of Notre Dame @ 12:00 pm CDT 1520 MSB
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Apr10
Innate Immune Regulation of RNA Virus Infection Dr. Michael Gale, Univ. of Minnesota @ 12:05 pm CDT - 12:55 pm CDT 1520 MSB
Recent News
Professor Brandt Published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
A recent publication in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science highlights innovative work on alternative approaches to treating bacterial infections using free-living amoebae. The study demonstrates that thermotolerant dictyostelids are avirulent and do not cause keratitis in a …
Professor JD Sauer Receives Vilas Associate Award
Professor JD Sauer has been selected as a Vilas Associate, a prestigious award that recognizes new and ongoing research of the highest quality and significance. The Vilas Associates Competition is highly competitive, with recipients chosen …
Postdoc Zhenyu Zhang Research Published in Nature Communications
Postdoc Zhenyu Zhang recently published a high-profile paper in Nature Communications (December 2025). The study was a highly collaborative effort involving multiple students and postdocs in the Andrew Mehle lab, along with research partners at …
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