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
5641 Medical Science II
1150 W. Medical Center Dr.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5632

@UMMicroImmuno
Internal Website (SharePoint)
Access to Elements

Phone: 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.

EDUCATION

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

RESEARCH

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

PEOPLE

Access our directory of department faculty and students.

EVENTS

View our full event calendar and seminar listings.

GIVING

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

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
  • Information and application for the A. Oveta Fuller Award
    • A woman stands in a plaid sweater over a red shirt with a cross necklace on the left. On the right, a woman in a hospital gown poses for a photo by the window with two people.
    Spotlight On

    Fighting rejection antibodies to make heart transplant possible

    A team had to “desensitize” the immune system before and after surgery.

    Message from the Chair

    Our department's motto is that 'We are a dynamic 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

    FEATURED NEWS & STORIES

     See all news     Jackson Rapala
    Department News

    Jackson Rapala receives fellowship for research on fungal pathogen

    Jackson Rapala received a National Institutes of Health F31 fellowship for his outstanding research on Candida auris.
         Groups of people stand together. These are the 2026 EBS awardees.
    Medical School News

    Celebrating outstanding teaching and research at the 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards

    The 2026 Endowment for Basic Sciences Awards recognized nine faculty and nine research staff members for their accomplishments in teaching and research.
         close up of cells moving in blue lines grey background under microscope
    Health Lab

    Your gut is home to an entire ecosystem, and scientists are finding new residents

    There is an entire ecosystem living in your gut, and researchers want to identify each microorganism that makes up this community. University of Michigan researchers recently found–and named– a previously unknown resident.
         A woman stands in a plaid sweater over a red shirt with a cross necklace on the left. On the right, a woman in a hospital gown poses for a photo by the window with two people.
    Health Lab

    Fighting rejection antibodies to make heart transplant possible

    A woman who spent more than a decade with life-threatening heart rhythms received a transplant despite having high levels of antibodies that reject donor organs.
         Adam Hafner and Katy Krupinsky
    Department News

    Adam Hafner and Katy Krupinsky receive Rackham Predoctoral Fellowships

    Two Microbiology & Immunology PhD students – Adam Hafner and Katy Krupinsky – are recipients of this year’s Rackham Predoctoral Fellowships.
         Wynter Kell Carnahan
    Department News

    Wynter Kell Carnahan advances research, operations and sustainability

    Science involves many moving parts, and every lab needs a manager who can organize and tackle the challenges that come along with that. For the Wobus lab in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, that person is Wynter Kell Carnahan.
    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