We are particularly interested in questions in microbial pathogenesis, the study of how microbes interact with their hosts in ways that both cause or avoid disease, and how this knowledge can be used to improve human health and control infectious diseases. The collaborative and collegial nature of Microbiology is well suited for the similarly-minded research environment of Washington University, and we strive to bring cutting-edge methods from all disciplines and medical sciences across the University to bear on these questions.

As a department, we take great pride in the training of the next generation of scientists, including students and mentoring the careers of academic staff as they emerge as scientific leaders.