About Us
Department Chair's Welcome
Welcome to the UK 91С»Æ³µ Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics (MIMG). Since arriving in November 2021, I have been energized by the depth of scholarship and collaboration that defines our community of scientists. Together, we explore how microbes and the immune system shape human health, with a shared commitment to translating discovery into better diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
Who We Are — and How We’re Growing
Since 2021, our department has focused on purposeful growth: strengthening our core faculty, recruiting additional research-track scientists, and deepening collaborations with colleagues in Dentistry, Agriculture, Food & Environment, Pharmacy, and clinical divisions across the 91С»Æ³µ. Today, 22 tenure/tenure-track faculty work alongside research-track investigators and a diverse adjunct network, creating a dynamic environment that bridges basic discovery and clinical application. This ongoing expansion of talent and expertise positions us to tackle the most pressing questions in infectious disease and immunological science.
Cutting-Edge Research Facilities and Resources
Resources & Infrastructure
Research is supported by a state-of-the-art flow cytometry core, shared BSL-2/3 laboratories now being expanded to accommodate high-containment pathogen studies, and ready access to clinical specimens and animal models that accelerate translational discovery.
Research Strengths
Our investigators employ cutting-edge genetic, molecular, and computational approaches to study:
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis
- Microbiome influences on health and disease
- Host responses to emerging and re-emerging infections
- Immune surveillance of cancer and chronic inflammation
- Design and evaluation of next-generation vaccine platforms
Training the Next Generation
Dedicated Educators and Mentors
- PhD candidates join through the Integrated Biomedical Sciences or Pharmaceutical Sciences tracks, completing a shared core curriculum before selecting advanced electives and a dissertation lab.
- MS students pursue the Medical Sciences program, blending coursework with a thesis project.
- Postdoctoral fellows, undergraduates, and high-school interns engage in seminars, journal clubs, and data forums that foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and professional growth.
Life in Lexington
MIMG sits at the heart of the University of Kentucky’s medical campus, adjacent to UK HealthCare, the Markey Cancer Center, and numerous shared research cores. This close proximity promotes seamless collaboration and ready access to state-of-the-art facilities. Lexington itself combines big-school resources with small-city convenience: short commutes, a reasonable cost of living, and a supportive scientific community anchored by the UK Center for Clinical & Translational Science and Graduate School career-development programs. Whether attending campus seminars, networking with clinicians, or enjoying nearby parks and cultural events, our trainees and faculty find an environment that supports rigorous discovery and a balanced quality of life.
It is a privilege to lead MIMG during this period of rapid expansion and innovation. I invite you to explore our faculty profiles, learn about our research, and consider joining us—whether as a student, postdoc, collaborator, or future faculty colleague. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where curiosity drives discovery and mentorship shapes tomorrow’s leaders. Our doors are always open to new ideas, partnerships, and people who share our passion for advancing microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics.