Areas of Research

The University of Minnesota has a longstanding tradition of excellence in microbiology research and education. The Microbiology Track faculty of the Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology Graduate program draws its membership of preeminent bacteriologists, virologists and mycologists from a diversity of academic departments.

The University of Minnesota has a rich tradition of research accomplishments in immunology. Pioneering work in the development of the immune system and tumor immunology/ immunodeficiency was led by Dr. Robert Good and his colleagues in the 1960's and early 1970's. 

Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, tumor cell progression and metastasis constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to tumor formation, progression and metastasis is a major challenge in cancer research.