Microbiology

The Committee on Microbiology provides its students with specialized research training in multiple areas of microbial science. Recent breakthroughs in genomics, imaging, and analytical methods are revolutionizing the study of microbes. Our research in microbiology extends from the molecular to the microbiome/community scale, and is yielding new understanding of processes ranging from the pathophysiology of microbial infection to the evolutionary ecology of plant-microbe interactions. Microbes have had a profound impact on human life both historically and currently. These nanometer- to micron-sized entities influence the evolution and diversity of all plants and animals on our planet, and drive geochemical transformations that shape terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We encourage students interested in graduate study in Microbiology at The University of Chicago to apply by December 1 to the Biological Sciences Graduate Division.

Spotlight

Taryn Serman

Graduate Student Trainee in the laboratory of Michaela Gack

I chose the University of Chicago because it gave me the opportunity to work with experts in the field of host-virus interactions while living in a big city. My research involves post-translational modification of flaviviral proteins during infection, an under-studied but highly relevant mechanism for regulation and reorganization of virus and host intracellular networks. With the support of my advisor Michaela Gack, I have had the opportunity to structure my own project based on my previous interest in flavivirus replication. The collaborative nature within and between labs has been a pleasant surprise.

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