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.

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Microbiology News

Read article: School of MCB alumni chosen for College of LAS awards
School of MCB alumni chosen for College of LAS awards
Eight alumni of the University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, including two with ties to the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, will receive recognition during the college’s 2024 alumni awards at a celebration in April. They are researchers and entrepreneurs who have...
Read article: Congratulations to James Imlay, selected as Swanlund Chair
Congratulations to James Imlay, selected as Swanlund Chair
Nine University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign faculty members, including microbiology professor James Imlay, have been named university endowed chairs...
Read article: New insights into what helps Salmonella cause infections
New insights into what helps Salmonella cause infections
Salmonella is notorious for surviving and replicating in macrophages, which are normally lethal to invading bacteria because of their inhospitable environment. In a new study, researchers have discovered how a system of proteins, called TamAB, helps Salmonella survive under the...
Read article: Meet Yan Zhang, new assistant professor of biochemistry
Meet Yan Zhang, new assistant professor of biochemistry
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Biochemistry are pleased to welcome Dr. Yan Zhang as assistant professor of biochemistry. Dr. Zhang joined us in November 2023 from the University...
Read article: Meet Nkrumah Grant, new assistant professor of microbiology
Meet Nkrumah Grant, new assistant professor of microbiology
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Department of Microbiology are pleased to welcome Dr. Nkrumah Grant as assistant professor of microbiology. Grant joined us in November 2023 from Michigan...
Read article: Researchers investigate how human stomach cells recognize and minimize damage to mitochondria during H. pylori infection
Researchers investigate how human stomach cells recognize and minimize damage to mitochondria during H. pylori infection
University of Illinois researchers have elucidated a mechanism whereby gastric cells detect and respond to toxin infiltration within the cell’s powerhouse, the mitochondria. The Blanke lab, within the Department of Microbiology in the School of Molecular & Cellular...
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Collaborative & Impactful

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Faculty Research

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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

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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

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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

Meet MCB's microbiology community

Read article: Meet MCB: Undergraduate researcher Neha Arun
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...
Read article: Meet MCB: Microbiology PhD student Stefanie Eben
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...
Read article: Meet MCB: Microbiology professor Paola Mera
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...
Read article: Susan Brennan (BS, ’85, microbiology) has built a career in sustainability, solving problems
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....

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Explore our history

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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.