Microorganisms and viruses provide excellent model systems to study important cellular processes and test ecological models and evolutionary processes. Graduate Group in Microbiology faculty engage in a wide variety of basic research that addresses genetic systems, gene regulation, physiological process, and biochemical pathways, in bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and viruses. In addition, they use molecular genetic and physiological tools to address both large and small scale ecological processes. Students will find many opportunities to engage in studies at the forefront of biological research.