University of Wisconsin–Madison

Category: Department News

Dr. Laura Knoll Receives Kellett Mid-Career Award

In a well-deserved recognition, Dr. Laura Knoll, a distinguished Professor of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and the Associate Dean for Basic Research Training, has been honored with the prestigious Kellett Mid-Career Award. This accolade, administered by the university to support mid-career faculty members who have excelled in their research endeavors, highlights Dr. …

Dr. Sperandio Selected as ASM Distinguished Lecturer

Congratulations to Dr. Vanessa Sperandio on being selected as an American Society for Microbiology Distinguished Lecturer. Lecturers serve 2-year terms and she will serve as a Lecturer for the 2024-2026 Program. The ASM Distinguished Lecturer Program annually selects a scientifically diverse group of lecturers to deliver lectures at ASM Branch meetings throughout the country. Lecturers …

Dr. Vanessa Sperandio Talk Featured on Biomedical & Life Sciences Collection

Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology Department Chair, Dr. Vanessa Sperandio, contributed a talk to The Biomedical & Life Sciences Collection.  Her talk, “Enteric pathogens-microbiota-host inter-kingdom chemical interactions,” is available online.

Registration Opens for 2024 Perlman Symposium!

Perlman Symposium on Antibiotic Discovery and Development9:00am – 5:00pm, Friday, April 26, 2024 Abstract Submission Deadline: March 22, 2024General Registration Deadline: March 30, 2024Register Today! Registration for the 2024 Perlman Symposium is open! This year’s Symposium will be taking place on Friday, April 26, 2024 and is offering attendees 2 registration options! Quick Facts: Which attendance option is right for me? VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE To register, view the schedule, and submit …

Dr. Joe Dillard Receives 2023 Jack Kenney Award for Outstanding Service

Author: George A. O’Toole “EDITORIAL Since 2009, we have conferred the Jack Kenney Award for Outstanding Service to the reviewer who does extraordinary service for the journal. Jack was an outstanding production editor who retired in 2010; he died shortly after his retirement. I am pleased to announce that Joe Dillard is the 2023 recipient of …

Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology Relaunch Newsletter

We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology newsletter! In our commitment to keeping our community informed and engaged, we are now set to deliver two issues per year, providing a comprehensive recap of our department’s achievements and progress towards fulfilling our mission.

Dr. Christina Hull Receives 2023 GWIMS Excellence in Mentorship Award

On behalf of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology and the UW SMPH Group on Women in Medicine and Science, we want to share the exciting news that Dr. Christina Hull, is the recipient of the 2023 GWIMS Excellence in Mentorship Award! The UW SMPH Group on Women in Medicine & Science (GWIMS) was established …

Dr. Jessica Kelliher Hired as Assistant Professor at Medical College of Wisconsin

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Jessica Kelliher has been appointed as an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, starting her tenure on November 1, 2023. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a rich background in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Dr. Kelliher brings …

MMI Creates Distinguished Lectureship Fund to Honor Dr. Rod Welch

The University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology are partnering to recognize the accomplishments of a talented scientist, administrator, and educator by establishing the: Rod Welch Distinguished Lectureship Fund. Dr. Welch joined the faculty of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at UW-Madison in 1982 …

Dr. Andy Mehle Uses New Genetic Screening Tool to Research Influenza

As many as 2,800 genes may help shape interactions between human cells and influenza virus over the course of an infection, but scientists have so far identified only around a quarter of them. This leaves much of the infectious process shrouded in obscurity, posing a challenge to researchers on the hunt for better antiviral treatments. …

Department of MMI Successfully Hosts Inaugural Retreat

In a gathering that showcased the vibrant spirit of academic camaraderie, the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison held its very first annual department retreat on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. With a remarkable 90% attendance from the department, the event marked an exciting milestone in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among …

Keller Lab Mines Fungi for Useful Molecules

A newly described type of chemistry in fungi is both surprisingly common and likely to involve highly reactive enzymes, two traits that make the genes involved useful signposts pointing to a potential treasure trove of biological compounds with medical and chemical applications. It was also nearly invisible to scientists until now. In the last 15 …