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!
JD Sauer, 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.
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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

Ibrahim Zuniga Chaves
Ibrahim studies the intersection of the human gut microbiome, health, and socioeconomic status using large epidemiological datasets and bioinformatics. In the lab, he does mostly DNA extractions and prepares his sequencing runs, a time when he likes to listen to podcasts. Outside of the lab, Ibrahim enjoys riding his bike around Madison, trying out different restaurants, and watching (or playing) a soccer game.

Kayley Manuel
Kayley is a student in Donna Neumann's laboratory. She studies how epigenetic modifications influence HSV-1 latency. Kayley's hobbies include painting and running (she is currently training for a half marathon). Although she grew up in Arizona, she is learning how to ice skate while also staying warm this winter.

Aldo Arellano
Aldo studies microbial ecology in the context of symbiosis and aquatic environments. He uses the water-filled leaves of carnivorous pitcher plants in Wisconsin bogs to investigate the cross-trophic interactions and energy flow among aquatic invertebrates, bacteria, and fungi. He is particularly interested in understanding the physiological relationship and inter-dependencies between the obligate mosquito symbiont and its associated microbial community. Insights into the nutritional ecology of these non-blood feeding mosquito populations may shed light onto the evolutionary roles microbes have played in modulating mosquito vector potential. Aldo enjoys the winter scenes and activities Madison has to offer, especially ice skating. He also enjoys baking, sci-fi, and caring for an ever-growing collection of houseplants.