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
MDTP now has a dedicated donation account through UW Foundation! Learn more here.
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

Ziyun Ye
Ziyun is a fourth-year graduate student in the Neumann lab. She works with herpes simplex virus-1, the virus that causes cold sores around mouth area but also eye infections. She is studying how the viral genome cis-interactions assist viral latency and reactivation. The Neumann lab uses both in vitro cell culture model and in vivo animal models to study HSV-1, such as the human midbrain cell line LUHMES that Ziyun uses. It was a challenge for her to let the virus infect the cells without killing them, but she is getting better at it! In her free time, she enjoys taking care of her garden and distributing the veggie she harvested to her friends. Her favorite thing is the Sanrio family!

Nicolas Pereira
Nicolas is studying the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus, with a focus on spore-host interactions. He aims to better understand the mechanisms behind how spores escape the lung to cause disseminated disease. Outside of the lab, Nicolas enjoys climbing, backpacking, and exploring all the nature Wisconsin has to offer. Recently, he has been taking sailing lessons on Lake Mendota. He loves how easy it is to run, walk, and bike all over Madison year round.

Heather Emery
Heather studies the role of purine metabolism in bacterial fitness in the context of the host gut. When she isn't at the bench, she enjoys birding, taking dance classes, going to concerts, and spending quality time with her two cats.