EXPERIENCE WORLD-CLASS MICROBIOLOGY TRAINING
Now is an exciting time to be doing microbiology research! The confluence of cutting edge experimental tools and approaches combined with novel applications to environmental, industrial and clinical needs, makes microbiology one of the most dynamic and important areas of science. Career possibilities abound in academic research, industry, teaching, government service, and other avenues. If you have a strong academic record, significant research experience, and you seek training in a top ranked microbiology PhD program, the Microbiology Doctoral Training Program at UW-Madison offers an ideal training environment.
There’s a lot to consider when evaluating graduate programs including access to cutting edge and impactful science, a rich environment outside the lab, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion; these are all worthy goals, and they can co-exist. If you are looking for a graduate program with a commitment to student training, a top ranked research university with national and international prominence all in a setting ranked as one of the top places to live and work, think UW MDTP!
Trina McMahon, MDTP Director
Katrina Forest, Bacteriology Chair
Vanessa Sperandio, Medical Microbiology & Immunology Chair
OUR PROGRAM IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Microbiology Doctoral Training Program is committed to the strength only diversity can bring. We strive to fully support all members of our community – Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQ+, first-generation, people with disabilities and all marginalized groups.
We all belong here at MDTP, all of us make our program great, all of us have a place in STEM.
We encourage prospective students from all backgrounds to learn more about our program and apply!
MEET MDTP STUDENTS

Autumn Sanders
Autumn is a student in Marta Gaglia's lab studying the innate immune response to Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). She is interested in the interferon-stimulated genes that inhibit the lytic reactivation of KSHV. When she's not in lab, she enjoys reading, doing yoga, going skiing, and trying out coffee shops and restaurants in Madison.

Bobby Liu
Bobby is a PhD candidate in Prof. Jade Wang’s lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he investigates how bacteria integrate metabolic and stress signals to regulate central dogma processes. His research focuses on nucleotide second messengers—including (p)ppGpp, Ap₄A, and 2′3′-cyclic nucleotides—and their roles in regulating translation, DNA replication, and protein homeostasis in Bacillus subtilis.
Outside of the lab, Bobby enjoys snowboarding, trying out new restaurants and bars around town, and spending quiet afternoons with his golden retriever, Scruffy.

Corinne Thomas
Corinne is a first-year student in Marta Gaglia's lab where she studies influenza's regulation of host immunity. Her project focuses on characterizing the activity of the viral host shutoff protein PA-X during infection. When she's not in lab, Corinne enjoys reading, drinking matcha, watching movies, and taking extended naps.