Hawaiian Bobtail Squid
© R. Isenberg, Mandel Lab

An egg infected with bioluminescent influenza virus
© A. Mehle, Mehle Lab

Confocal Micrograph of E. Coli Infected Mouse Bladder Cells
© R. Welch, Welch Lab

Zebrafish T-cells Highlighted Green Against Red Blood Vessels
© Tanner Robertson, Huttenlocher Lab

Micro CT of Bone Erosion in B. Melitensis Infected Mouse
© Judy Smith, Smith Lab

Fungus Hyphae and Spores in Bat Skin Cells
© Klein Lab

The mission of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology is to provide comprehensive scientific instruction to students, conduct novel and 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, the department study the roles of diet, the immune system and the gut-brain-axis in the intestinal microbiome.

Laura Knoll, PhD

“Don’t be afraid to try new things. Every new experience just gives you confidence for your future experiments. You never know what biology is going to throw at you.”

Meet Laura!

Andrew Hryckowian, PhD

“A research opportunity I had in high school which involved bacteriophage research opened countless doors for me and helped lead me to my current interests in bacterial pathogens and microbial communities.”

Meet Drew!

Carlos Ramírez-Flores, PhD

“I was raised in a family of teachers and professors. My mom was teacher of biology and chemistry. Since I was a kid, I used to read the quizzes and evaluations from my mom’s lectures.”

Meet Carlos!

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