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

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Wind-chill out! Researchers discover how flow stresses out bacterial pathogens
Residents of northern states are familiar with the concept and reality of windchill. With the combination of strong winds and the chilly weather, we become more sensitive; it feels colder than the registered temperature. Researchers from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the...
Stefanie Eben looks up at the camera with a smile. She is standing next to an anaerobic chamber.
Researchers shed new light on how copper poisons microbes
For years, copper has been used ubiquitously in health care to stave off bacterial infections—from doorknobs in hospital rooms to catheters and IUDs—and yet how the element does so is unclear. In a new publication in Molecular Microbiology, researchers from the University of Illinois...
Salmonella invade an immune cell
Researchers elucidate a fundamental physiological response required for Salmonella survival in the host
Salmonella are major food-borne pathogens responsible for an estimated 95 million infections per year worldwide that can lead to severe illness and death. Upon ingestion, Salmonella invades intestinal epithelial cells, inducing gastrointestinal symptoms and gaining access to...
Microbiology professor Cari Vanderpool and PhD student Sabrina Abdulla
New role of small RNAs in Salmonella infections uncovered
Salmonella are food-borne pathogens that infect millions of people a year. To do so, these bacteria depend on a complex network of genes and gene products that allow them to sense environmental conditions. In a new paper, researchers have investigated the role of small RNAs that help ...
Alma Mater is all ready for the holidays with a winter scarf, ear muffs and holiday lights. Her garb is completed with a mask during this era of COVID-19.
School of MCB recognizes contributions of faculty, staff, grad students
The School of MCB is proud to recognize its stellar faculty and staff for their valuable contributions to the research and instructional missions of the school. At the 2022 Holiday Celebration, MCB director Milan Bagchi, Deborah Paul Professor of Molecular & Cellular Biology, gave awards in...
Ruben Sanchez-Nieves stands smiling in the foyer of Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.
Meet MCB: Ruben Sanchez-Nieves
Even in the most extreme locations, life can thrive. Microbes called thermophiles are able to colonize environments that are extremely hot, with temperatures above 75 °C (167 °F), and acidity of 3.5 pH or lower. Ruben Sanchez-Nieves, a 6th year PhD candidate in the lab of Rachel Whitaker (IGOH), a...

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Seminars & Events

We host many talks from rising and established scholars, an annual retreat, and more.
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn more about what we believe, initiatives, and resources.
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The Department of Microbiology looks forward to hearing from you!
Collaborative & Impactful

Faculty Research

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.

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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.

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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.

Microbial Systems Initiative MicroERA

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.  Can you summarize your research in the Kieffer Lab?  My...
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. Eben, a microbiology PhD student in the lab of professor James Imlay, spoke with MCB's communications team about her love of microbiology...
Paola Mera smiles for headshot outside with a background of trees.
Meet MCB: Microbiology professor Paola Mera
Dr. Paola Mera is an assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology. Dr. Mera's research program combines bacterial genetics, biochemistry, and high-resolution...
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Susan Brennan (BS, ’85, microbiology) has built a career in sustainability, solving problems
Growing up in the Illinois steel town of Granite City, Susan Brennan was certain once she left, she would never live near a factory again. However, in the years after graduating from the University of Illinois, she would become a leading voice in rethinking and transforming American manufacturing....

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 bactericides polysaccharide utilization and its role in colonic fermentation.

Read more about our illustrious history.

Contact the Department of Microbiology