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: 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.

cover of M&I 2022-2023 higlights 2022-23 Annual Report

We are pleased to share with you our 2022–23 Report with a special featured story on the history of the early women in M&I at the University of Michigan.

  • Read Annual Report 2022-23
  • 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
    images showcasing cellular structures and interactions
    Midwest Neglected Infectious Diseases (MNID)

    Attend the only regional conference that features cutting-edge basic science and translational research on the pathogenic mechanisms of fungal and parasitic diseases.

    Learn more about MNID meeting
    Upcoming Events See all events
    Microbiology and Immunology Undergraduate Research Symposium 2024
    The undergraduate research symposium is an annual event conducted by the U-M Department of Microbiology and Immunology to expose young researchers to the practice of communicating their science to a wider audience. The symposium provides an excellent opportunity for the undergraduate students to showcase their research and talent to peers and mentors.
    Midwest Neglected Infectious Diseases (MNID) Meeting 2024
    The University of Michigan Department of Microbiology and Immunology is pleased to host MNID 2024, August 16 and 17.
    FEATURED NEWS & STORIES See all news Left to right: Surbhi Gupta (University of Michigan), Laura Mike (University of Pittsburgh), Harry Mobley (University of Michigan), Melanie Pearson (University of Michigan), Chelsie Armbruster (SUNY Buffalo), and Allyson Shea (University of South Alabama)
    Department News
    Harry Mobley receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Urinary Tract Infection Global Alliance (UTIGA)
    Harry Mobley receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th Clinical and Scientific Advances in Urinary Tract Infections held July 19-21 in Columbus, Ohio
    Nicole Koropatkin, PhD, (left) and Brenda Franklin (right), recipients of M&I 2024 EBS Awards
    Department News
    Announcing M&I 2024 EBS Awards: Congratulations to Nicole Koropatkin, PhD, and Brenda Franklin!
    M&I is proud to announce that Nicole Koropatkin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, and Senior staff specialist Brenda Franklin were honored by the EBS with awards on Wednesday, July 17th.
    Portrait of Professor Emerita Kathy Spindler
    Department News
    Katherine Spindler, PhD, is M&I Professor Emerita
    Spindler's laboratory pioneered work on a mouse model of adenovirus infection that enables study of pathogenesis in the natural host and identified host susceptibility genes, mechanisms of blood-brain barrier disruption and evasion of a host antiviral response.
    Caity Holmes, left, and Daniel Jorge, right
    Department News
    M&I AdMIration awards for Winter 2024 go to Caitlyn Holmes, Ph.D., and Daniel Macedo de Melo Jorge, Ph.D.
    M&I AdMIration awards recognize two non-faculty individuals who have contributed to M&I departmental community and made it a better place to study science together. Congratulations to Caitlyn Holmes, Ph.D., and Daniel Macedo de Melo Jorge, Ph.D., for being named the Winter 2024 M&I AdMIration award winners.
    Dr. Howard Urnovitz shares helpful hints
    Department News
    Alumnus Howard Urnovitz, PhD ’79, addresses M&I students
    On Friday, June 27, Howard B. Urnovitz, Ph.D., visited M&I as we celebrated his $5 million legacy gift.
    Microscopic rendering of the flu virus with green, purple and red coloring
    News Release
    $10 million NIH-award establishes new U-M center to study genomics of infectious disease pathogens
    A new NIH award will establish the Michigan Infectious Disease Genomics (MIDGE) Center, the goal of which is to use whole genome sequencing and functional genomic assays to determine how genetic differences among strains or isolates affect the behavior, transmission, and drug resistance of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens.
    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