As a field, pathology sits at the intersection of fundamental laboratory science and its translation into clinical medicine.

The Department of Pathology is home to a broad array of research activities that span the spectrum from basic science to disease-oriented research to patient-oriented and population-based research.

 We conscientiously promote a rich, nurturing environment for all our learners (undergraduate, MS and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows as well as clinical residents and fellows) to pursue a variety of research projects with our world-class faculty. We also have a strong mentorship program for junior faculty as they traverse the initial years as independent investigators. Our research enterprise enjoys excellent administrative and technical support at all levels.

Recent Publications Research labs Research support

A close-up view of a research poster

Research focus

The research focus of our laboratory-based principal investigators is predominantly in two broad areas of strength: immunology and cancer biology (with overlap). This includes research in:

  • Basic T- and B-cell biology
  • Infectious disease immunology and vaccines
  • Mucosal Immunity
  • Autoimmunity (including neuroimmunology)
  • Cancer immune microenvironment, metastasis, and progression
  • Biology of obesity, neuropathology and immunity, and inflammation
  • Microbiome and immunity

We also have programs in muscle pathophysiology (through participation in the Wellstone Center) and in stroke pathogenesis. Importantly, our clinical and research faculty collaborate across the institution in various areas of science. A prime example of that is our Division of Comparative Pathology, which also houses our histology research laboratory.

Recent publications

Publications: Week of January 21, 2025

Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Featuring: Dawn Quelle, PhD

Publications: Week of January 16, 2025

Thursday, January 16, 2025
Featuring: Andrew Bellizzi, MD, Dustin Bosch, MD, PhD, Bradley Ford, MD, PhD, Zizhen Kang, PhD, Ashutosh Mangalam, PhD, David K. Meyerholz, DVM, PhD, Anand Rajan KD, MBBS, Juan José Sánchez Ramírez, MD, Anthony N. Snow, MD, Yuhang Wang, PhD

Publications: Week of January 7, 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Featuring: Kathryn Eschbacher, MD, Anna Merrill, PhD, DABCC, Meredith Parsons, MD, Annette Schlueter, MD, PhD, Julie Schmidt, MLS

Vice Chair for Research

Kevin Legge

Kevin L. Legge, PhD

Title/Position
Vice Chair for Research

Research administration staff

Jama Pirkl

Jama Pirkl, BA

Title/Position
Research Support Manager
Carla Hartl

Carla Hartl, BLS

Title/Position
Clerk IV
Kimberly Smith

Kimberly Smith

Title/Position
Administrative Services Coordinator