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.
We offer undergraduates rigorous coursework and research opportunities, and our nationally acclaimed Microbiology Doctoral Training Program allows graduate students to earn a Ph.D.
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!”
Minju Kim, PhD
“I always liked science, especially biology. Having lab experiences in college led me to the fungal world and to go to grad school.”
Jing Fan, PhD
“Be kind to yourself, be kind to others. Enjoy the experience of being a scientist and a student, the experience full of excitement, curiosity, stress, challenges, and fulfillment.”
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, and abilities enrich the university.
Upcoming Events
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Sep20
MMI Seminar Series: Dr. Samara Reck-Peterson @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT 1520 MSB
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Sep27
MMI Seminar Series: Vaughn Cooper @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT 1520 MSB
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Oct04
MMI Seminar Series: Dr. Marvin Whiteley @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT 1520 MSB
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Oct18
MMI Seminar Series: Snehal Chaudhari @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT 1520 MSB
Recent News
Department Hosts 2nd Annual Retreat
The Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully hosted its second annual retreat on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Building on the momentum from last year’s inaugural event, the retreat saw …
Dr. Marta Gaglia Featured in Journal of Virology
The recent journal article, “The Harms of Promoting the Lab Leak Hypothesis for SARS-CoV-2 Origins Without Evidence,” co-authored by James Alwine and colleagues, underscores the importance of adhering to evidence-based science. Published in the Journal …
Dr. Bruce Klein and Isidoro-Ayza Unlock the Secrets of White-Nose Syndrome
July 11, 2024 By Will Cushman An invasive fungus that colonizes the skin of hibernating bats with deadly consequences is a stealthy invader that uses multiple strategies to slip into the small mammals’ skin cells and quietly …
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