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

    Upcoming Events

     See all events

    M&I Seminar: Bo Zhao, PhD
    Bo Zhao presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    M&I Seminar: Joe Bondy-Denomy, PhD
    Joe Bondy-Denomy presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    M&I Seminar: Stephanie Shames, PhD
    Stephanie Shames presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    M&I Seminar: Jeffrey Withey, PhD
    Jeffrey Withey presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    M&I Brockman Lecture: Benjamin tenOever, PhD
    Benjamin tenOever presents for M&I's Brockman Lecture

    M&I Seminar: Paul Bieniasz, PhD
    Paul Bieniasz presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    M&I Seminar: Hasina Outtz Reed, MD, PhD
    Hasina Outtz Reed presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    M&I Seminar: Nicholas Jendzjowsky, PhD
    Nicholas Jendzjowsky presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    M&I Seminar: David Harvey Margulies, MD, PhD
    David Harvey Margulies presents for Microbiology & Immunology

    FEATURED NEWS & STORIES

     See all news     Olivia Harlow
    Department News

    How lungs recognize and protect against infection: Olivia Harlow receives F31 fellowship

    Olivia Harlow, fourth year PhD student in the Shenoy lab, received an F31 fellowship through the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to research how lungs recognize and protect against infection.
         Computer illustration of the CRISPR complex on DNA
    Health Lab

    CRISPR acts as commander-in-chief for backup defenses in bacteria

    A new study uncovers a previously underrecognized feature of the type I CRISPR-Cas system in the bacteria Neisseria: the presence of additional embedded innate immunity genes.
         lab with microscope vials
    Health Lab

    The hidden life of parasites like Cyclospora

    Michigan Medicine biologists and doctors explain how parasites infect people—and how to respond or reduce your risk
         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.
    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