Established in 1902 by Frederick G. Novy as the Department of Bacteriology, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology has come a long way from the petri dishes and microscope slides of Novy to the use of DNA microarrays, computational analyses, and genomics. In 1963, the department's name was changed to the Department of Microbiology, and in 1979 the current name was adopted in recognition of the newly established section in immunology. As one of the earliest departments of its kind in the nation, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology has evolved from more than a century of pioneering excellence. Microbiologists study the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites colonize a host, evade the immune response, and elicit damage to the host. Immunologists study the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms by which the immune response defends the host using innate and adaptive mechanisms. Collectively, we conduct research in microbial pathogenesis using the tools of molecular biology, genetic screens, cell culture, models of infection, molecular imaging, transgenic animals, and bioinformatics. We continue to seek the best in our pursuits of research and education for our future scientists. Our faculty enjoy both national and international recognition for their service to the scientific community. This service includes editors of peer-reviewed journals, peer-review panels, appointments to national scientific boards, organizers for high profile conferences, and features in the press. They have received numerous awards ranging from new investigator to faculty achievement to lifetime achievement awards. Many faculty members have also written textbooks that guide the next generation of scientists.