Medical Microbiology & Immunology
University of Wisconsin – Madison

Laura Knoll

Professor of Medical Microbiology & Immunology

ljknoll@wisc.edu

Office: (608) 262-3161, Laboratory: 262-4242

3303 Microbial Sciences Building

Education

B.A. – 1989; Saint Olaf College; Northfield, MN
Ph.D. – 1994; Washington University School of Medicine; St. Louis, MO
Postdoctoral Research- Stanford University; Stanford, CA

Areas of Study

Parasitology, Immunology

Research Overview

Our research centers on studying the host/pathogen interactions of the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. T. gondii is well known for causing encephalitis in immunocompromised patients and is a member of the coccidian family of parasites that includePlasmodium (causative agent of malaria) and Cryptosporidium (causative agent of diarrhea). My laboratory uses the latest technologies, including next generation sequencing and mass spectrometry, to uncover the parasite and host genes that are necessary for the establishment and maintenance of chronic infection in animals. We then use biochemistry, molecular and cell biology to define the how and why these pathogen and host genes are important. 

Awards

  • 2012, UW-Madison WARF Romnes Faculty Fellow
  • 2009, Biomedical Research Award from the Hartwell Foundation
  • 2008, Established Investigator Award from the American Heart Association
  • 2007, Research Scholar Award from the American Cancer Society
  • 2003, Shaw Scientist Award, funded by the Greater Milwaukee Foundation
  • 2000, Burroughs Wellcome Career Award

Publications