The primary goals of the Master of Science degree in Bacteriology are to develop students’ understanding of the scientific process and to provide advanced training in bacteriology. Students tailor a curriculum of advanced coursework and/or research, following either a coursework track or a research track. Students acquire a general overview of bacteriology and may focus on a specialized subject area such as bacterial physiology, molecular microbiology, food microbiology, environmental microbiology, biotechnology or medical microbiology.
News and Events
Propelling Women in Power Podcast with Mallory Spencer
Recent Bacteriology MS graduate Mallory Spencer was featured on Propelling Women in Power podcast discussing pressure vs. purpose. Mallory was a research track student in the Thomas Lab where she studied bioenergy. Check out the …
Congratulations, Ana! M.S. Student Performance Award
Ana Cruz received the 2023 M.S. Student Performance Award. This award is to honor and advance the career of one of Bacteriology’s best Master of Science students. Ana is a research track student in the …
Life Sciences Career Day, April 29, 2023
Life Sciences Career Day 2023 is almost here! Life Sciences Career Day (LSCD) is a symposium for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers at UW–Madison that provides them with some perspectives about career choices after obtaining …
Student Highlights

Brieana Gregg
Brieana is a second year Bacteriology Master’s student on the research track, working in Dr. Sabine Pellett’s laboratory. Here, she studies Clostridium botulinum and other neurotoxin producing Clostridia, and is working on development of novel expression systems in order to characterize a variety of toxin serotype. She is interested in applying her bench skills to research and development projects improving health and safety, particularly in the field of food microbiology. Outside of the lab, Brieana spends her time playing volleyball, reading, and designing costumes for theatre productions.

Andrew Scheftgen
Andrew is a Bacteriology master’s student on the research track. In the Lab of Dr. Garret Suen, he studies the rumen microbiome to understand how the microbial community members impact milk production efficiency. He is particularly interested in the rumen fungi and archaea communities as they are poorly characterized, especially in relation to efficiency. When he isn’t hanging out with cows, Andrew enjoys hunting, cooking, and spending time outdoors.

Alex Chang
Alex is a second year Bacteriology Master's student on the Research Track from Austin, TX. In Dr. Tim Donohue's lab, he studies the alpha-proteobacteria, Novosphingobium aromaticivorans, to understand how aromatics from deconstructed lignin can be microbially funneled into the production of PDC, a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics. On campus he enjoys participating in Badger Volunteers and the Art Club when he can. Some of his favorite things to do are exploring new cafes, drawing, and learning new skills; he is currently learning to knit and hopes to make a sweater for his family dog.
Diversity
University of Wisconsin – Madison
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background — people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.