In the Department of Microbiology

Finding solutions to global challenges, such as the emergence of new infectious diseases, skyrocketing antimicrobial resistance, and the health of our planet's ecosystems, will depend upon discoveries from microbiology research. Illinois microbiology faculty focus on the physiology, genetics, and pathogenesis of microbial organisms and viruses.

Microbiology News

RNAscope confocal images of mouse brain with watercolor textures photographed and digitally layered into a single composition
Winners announced for 2026 Life Inspiring art, science contest
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is pleased to congratulate the 2026 winners of its “Life Inspiring” art competition, which celebrates the intersection of life sciences and art.Students, staff, and faculty were encouraged to submit original works of art reflecting their scientific...
Three petri dishes on a lab bench
New study finds deep ocean microbes already prepared to tackle climate change
Deep-sea waters are warming due to heat waves and climate change, and it could spell trouble for the oceans’ delicate chemical and biological balance. A new study, however, demonstrates that the microbe Nitrosopumilus maritimus may already be adapting well to warmer, nutrient-poor waters....
Wei Qin in blue shirt stands in front of computer screen and microscope
Microbiologist Wei Qin wins Sloan Foundation Fellowship
Three faculty of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, including microbiologist Wei Qin, have received Sloan Foundation Fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The...
CREW Students
MCB undergrads flourish in federal work-study CREW program
Ask any scientist and they’ll tell you what a joy it is to discover something they didn’t know they didn’t know. “The best parts of science tend to be serendipitous,” said the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology’s Jhewelle Fitz-Henley. “The things that you find out, you’re like, ‘I did not...
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What are the new guidelines for infant hepatitis B vaccination?
On Dec. 5, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to discontinue its decades-long recommendation for universal vaccination against hepatitis B beginning at birth. Public health expert and infectious disease physician...
Electron micrographs of bacterial viruses
Illinois-led initiative will build precision phage platform for promoting health
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scientists, including microbiology professor Asma Hatoum-Aslan, will partner with investigators from several industrial and academic institutions on a five-year, up to $28M...
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Seminars & Events

We host many talks from rising and established scholars, an annual retreat, and more.

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Make a gift to Microbiology

Your support propels our research breakthroughs and makes a difference in the lives of our students.

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Contact the department

The Department of Microbiology looks forward to hearing from you!
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Faculty Research

Collaborative & Impactful

Our world-class faculty lead many exciting research programs in the physiology, genetics, and pathogenesis of microbial organisms and viruses. Labs explore archaeal biology, bacteriophage biology, drug discovery, eukaryotic virology, gene regulation, host-pathogen interaction, microbial communities/microbiome, microbial physiology, molecular evolution, and oxidative stress.
Phd student in microbiology examines sample in lab.

PhD in Microbiology

Microbes are the dominant organisms on the planet and drive all aspects of life. The Department of Microbiology is a close-knit group of scientists who are driving discoveries in bacterial and archaeal biology and physiology, bacterial and viral pathogenesis, antibiotic discovery, and microbial ecology and evolution. As a PhD student in microbiology, you will be part of a thriving, supportive community of researchers.
A microbiology graduate student conducts research at IGB

Microbial Systems Initiative

 

Microbial Systems Initiative, or MSI, is a vibrant cross-campus community of microbial sciences researchers who address problems in health, agriculture, energy, and other sectors. The Microbial Early-career Researchers Association (MicroERA) organizes professional development and networking opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Upcoming Microbiology Events

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Meet MCB's microbiology community

Neha Arun reviews imaging of host-pathogen interactions in a darkly lit room, with her face illuminated by the screen.
Meet MCB: Undergraduate researcher Neha Arun
MCB major Neha Arun shares her experiences working as an undergraduate researcher in Professor Collin Kieffer's lab in the Department of Microbiology, as well as a look at life outside the lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Stefanie Eben gazes at Petri dish in lab.
Meet MCB: Microbiology PhD student Stefanie Eben
From studying E. coli to riding horses, Stefanie Eben says she has found the perfect mixture of academic and personal fulfillment at the University of Illinois.
Paola Mera smiles for headshot outside with a background of trees.
Meet MCB: Microbiology professor Paola Mera
The Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute spotlights microbiology assistant professor Paola Mera and shares how she discovered her passion for research. Mera's research aims at filling the gaps in knowledge to control the life cycle of bacteria so that they can design better ways to enhance...
Rows of Bloom Energy servers
Susan Brennan (BS, ’85, microbiology) has built a career in sustainability, solving problems
MCB alumna Susan Brennan reflects on her time at the University of Illinois and her career. She also shares advice for girls and women who hope to pursue careers in STEM.
abigail salyers

Explore our history

The Department of Microbiology at UIUC has a rich history of seminal discoveries and microbiologists who have increased our biological understanding and advanced the field of microbiology, such as Carl Woese, who discovered the Archaea, a new domain of life distinct from bacteria and eukarya, and Abigail Salyers, who pioneered studies of Bacteroides polysaccharide utilization and its role in colonic fermentation.

Contact the Department of Microbiology