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!
Garret Suen, MDTP Director
Katrina Forest, Bacteriology Chair
Joe Dillard, Medical Microbiology & Immunology Chair
Interested in applying to MDTP? Register for a virtual panel discussion to learn more!
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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

Jake Vander Griend
Jake is a third year student in the Mandel lab, and his research emphasis is concerned with bacterial biofilm formation during the colonization of animal hosts. When he is not working in lab (or taking care of the squid), he likes to read, build and paint miniatures, and generally enjoy Madison. Madison has a fantastic park system, and these really shine during the spring and summer.

Damayanti Rodriguez Ramos
Dama is a second year MDTP in Erica Majumder lab and is interested studying plastic degradation by microorganisms. Specifically, she is interested in how and which microbial community members degrade plastics. When Dama is not in lab, she loves to go to second hand stores (finding old treasures!), go to farms, play video games and enjoy some delicious latin food.

Soleil Young
Soleil is a fourth year MDTP student in Cameron Currie's lab studying the evolution of the genome of the fungal mutualists of fungus-growing ants and is interested broadly in the evolution of mutualisms and sex. She enjoys video games, zines, and hanging out with her cat, Meiosis. Her favorite fungal fact is that in some fungi, the nuclei don't fuse after sex but instead exist side by side in the cell.