Department of Microbiology & Immunology
Unlock the Mysteries of the Microbial World

Bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi are all organisms that can interact with the human body, making us either healthy or sick. Our research spans from the cell to the organ, to the body and to the global population, investigating and impacting the very foundations of human health.

three lab studnets in looking at data on a computer screen
Training the next generation of scientists

Here, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows work side-by-side with principal investigators, testing hypotheses of significant medical importance with the potential to translate into medical advancements. This groundbreaking laboratory training is supplemented with rigorous coursework, seminar series, journal clubs, and the presentation of research findings at national meetings.

Contact Us
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
5641 Medical Science II
1150 W. Medical Center Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5632
Phone: +1 (734) 763-3531
ABOUT US

The department strives to enrich the institution and the scientific community through our service. Read more about our tripartite mission.

PEOPLE

Access our directory of department faculty and students.

EDUCATION

Explore training opportunities including master’s and doctoral programs in Microbiology & Immunology.

EVENTS

View our full event calendar and seminar listings.

RESEARCH

Learn more about our exploration of microbial pathogenesis, immune response and the development of vaccines.

GIVING

Help us to develop the innovators, cures and technologies of tomorrow.

M&I 2023-2024 highlights cover showing Toxoplasma gondii M&I 2023–2024 Highlights

We are pleased to share with you our 2023–2024 highlights. We called these "New Beginnings" to reflect changes in the department. Enjoy the read!

  • Read Annual Report 2023–2024
  • A. Oveta Fuller smiles outside A. Oveta Fuller Award

    The A. Oveta Fuller Award is a career development award for emerging leaders in the areas of microbiology and immunology, infectious disease, or health disparities whose goals and accomplishments benefit society in the spirit of Dr. A. Oveta Fuller.

  • Donate to the A. Oveta Fuller Fund
  • Apply for the A. Oveta Fuller Award
  • JOIN A COMMUNITY OF INCLUSION

    We are a diverse group of scientists, united by a passion for discovery, leadership, service and the sharing of knowledge to address global microbiology and immunology challenges. Our DEI activities, events, trainings, community-building efforts and data collection are valuable additions to the University’s broader strategic DEI plan.

    Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    Message from the Chair

    Our department's motto is that 'We are an inclusive community whose passion for discovery, service, leadership and sharing of knowledge addresses global microbiology and immunology challenges.'"

    Nancy Walls Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Chair, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Professor of Internal Medicine
    Bethany Moore
    Upcoming Events See all events
    M&I Seminar Series: Vince Young
    M&I Seminar Series
    M&I Seminar Series: David Masopust
    David Masopust, McKnight University Professor HHMI Faculty Scholar at the University of Minnesota
    M&I Seminar Series: Deanna Kulpa
    Deanna Kulpa, Emory University
    M&I Seminar Series: Asma Nusrat
    M&I Seminar Series by Asma Nusrat, University of Michigan
    M&I Seminar Series: Billy Tsai
    M&I Seminar Series with Billy Tsai, Corydon Ford Collegiate Professor, Professor, Cell & Developmental Biology, Research Focus: Host-pathogen interactions, ER protein quality control, viral infection, diabetes
    M&I Seminar Series: Wanjun Chen
    M&I Seminar Series with Wanjun Chen,
    M&I Seminar Series: Kristie Goughenour
    M&I Seminar Series with Kristie Goughenour, M&I University of Michigan
    FEATURED NEWS & STORIES See all news Pariyamon Thaprawat holds a PhD sign
    Department News
    Pariyamon (Pha) Thaprawat defended her Ph.D. thesis in M&I and is on her way to an M.D.
    Pariyamon (Pha) Thaprawat defended her thesis titled “Toxoplasma gondii Autophagy and Chronic Infection” on November 2, 2024. She received her Ph.D. summa cum laude under the mentorship of Vern Carruthers.
    sketched out bacteria in a dish yellow and blue colors of U-M
    Health Lab
    More clues reveal how gut bacteria works
    Research from the University of Michigan uncovers a unique way the bacteria Bacteroides, which make up nearly half of the gut microbiome, synthesize the proteins needed to degrade carbohydrates.
    Dr. Bob Dickson receives the Toew's award
    Department News
    Dr. Bob Dickson is named the Galen B. Toews MD Legacy Professor in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
    Dickson joined the faculty of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in 2015 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2020. He is the program director for the Pulmonary T32 program. Dickson also holds an appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and serves as deputy director of the Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation.
    Photo portrait of Alan Phlipot, DCMB new CDA
    Department News
    The Gilbert S. Omenn Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics (DCMB) welcomes Alan Phlipot as its new Chief Department Administrator
    Please welcome Alan Philpot as our new DCMB Chief Department Administrator (CDA), succeeding Mary Freer, who is retiring at the end of the year.
    Jennifer Barker, PhD, in lab
    Department News
    Dr. Jennifer Baker defended her thesis on the microbiome’s role in acute lung injury
    On November 1, 2024, Jennifer Baker, Ph.D., mentored by Drs. Robert Dickson and Gary Huffnagle, defended her thesis titled "The microbial ecology of acute lung injury: how the microbiome affects (and is affected by) alveolar leak."
    Cover of M&I annual highlights -
    Department News
    2023–2024 Highlights from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology: "New Beginnings"
    2023–2024 highlights from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology
    women in lab examining sample jar, one woman points at the sample Advancing the field of M&I
    #10
    in Blue Ridge NIH rankings
    60
    Faculty members
    $24.5M
    in NIH funding
    Microbiology & Immunology Internal Website

    Resources and information for current learners and faculty.

    M&I Intranet