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
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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Apr17
Clostridioides difficile Pathogenesis: from Nursery to Nursing Home Dr. Joseph Zackular, Univ. of Pennsylvania @ 12:05 pm CDT - 12:55 pm CDT 1520 MSB
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Apr24
Immune Determinants of Influenza Outcomes Dr. Juliet Morrison, Univ. of California-Riverside @ 12:05 pm CDT - 12:55 pm CDT 1520 MSB
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May01
Tuning the Microscope: Redefining Pathogenesis Paradigms for an Arthropod-Borne Pathogen Dr. Thomas Burke, Univ. of California-Irvine @ 12:05 pm CDT - 12:55 pm CDT 1520 MSB
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May15
Perlman Symposium @ 9:00 am CDT - 5:00 pm CDT Ebling Auditorium, MSB https://perlman.mmi.wisc.edu
Recent News
Nancy Keller Featured on Larry Meiller Podcast
Dr. Nancy Keller was recently featured on the Larry Miller podcast, where she joined fellow UW–Madison professor Anne Pringle to discuss the dangers of the invasive death cap mushroom. One of the most poisonous fungi …
Dr. David Andes Inducted as 2026 Wisconsin Academy Fellow
The Wisconsin Academy announced sixteen Wisconsinites who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and public service to receive the 2026 Fellows Awards. The Wisconsin Academy Fellows Award recognizes educators, researchers, mentors, artists, and …
Professor JD Sauer Elected to American Academy of Microbiology
In February 2026, the American Academy of Microbiology announced the election of 63 new Fellows to its Class of 2026. The Academy, an honorific leadership group and scientific think tank within the American Society for …
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