What research areas does WashU's Department of Molecular Microbiology cover?

The Department of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University in St. Louis covers research spanning viruses, parasites, the microbiome, and host–microbe interactions at molecular and cellular levels. Its faculty labs drive these efforts, with named researchers working on specific pathogens and systems — from coronavirus vaccine research to Leishmania parasite biology and gut viruses. If you want to know whether the department's work matches your interests in virology, parasitology, or microbiome science, the research areas below are the clearest signal.

Viruses and vaccine research

Virology is a visible part of the department's work. The page shows Sean Whelan, PhD, examining cellular assays while researching a vaccine for the Covid-19 coronavirus, alongside instructor Louis-Marie Bloyet and visiting researchers Michael Tartell and Paul Rothlauf.

Carolina Lopez, PhD, a BJC Investigator in molecular microbiology, studies the relationship between a virus and the organism it infects — an example of how the department frames viral research around host–pathogen interaction rather than the virus alone.

David Wang, PhD, and a PhD student are shown studying viruses in the gut to learn more about their impact on health and disease, connecting virology to the microbiome theme.

Parasitology: Leishmania and Cryptosporidium

Parasite biology is another core area, with two named examples.

• Leishmania: Stephen Beverley, PhD, former head of molecular microbiology, has spent most of his career studying leishmaniasis. The page highlights research on Leishmania parasites' offspring — once thought to be asexual, single-celled parasites were "caught in the act," and studying their offspring could lead to improved treatment for deadly infections.
• Cryptosporidium: David Sibley, PhD, professor of molecular microbiology, discusses treatment for a common cause of diarrhea with postdoctoral fellows. The page notes that the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium was successfully grown in the lab using a new technique, described as making treatment for this common cause of diarrhea more promising.

These examples show parasitology research moving between basic biology (reproduction, growth in culture) and treatment relevance.

Microbiome and gut health

The department connects to microbiome science through gut virus research and broader initiatives. Jeffrey Gordon, MD, and his past and present trainees participated in the Eras of the Microbiome Symposium in Moore Auditorium on April 26, 2024. David Wang's lab work on gut viruses to understand their impact on health and disease sits within this theme.

Molecular and cellular microbiology methods

Across these areas, the department's work is grounded in molecular and cellular approaches. The page shows cellular assays as a recurring method — used in coronavirus vaccine research and referenced in lab settings. Faculty labs are the organizing unit: each research area is tied to a named principal investigator and their group, including labs led by Christina Stallings, PhD, and others shown working with graduate students, research technicians, postdoctoral associates, and research associates.

Faculty and labs as the entry point

If you are deciding whether the department fits your interests, the faculty list is the practical starting point. Named faculty on the page include:

The page's "Meet our faculty" section is the direct route to matching a specific research area with a specific lab. Because research focus and lab composition change, check the current faculty pages rather than relying on any single snapshot.