Mark Mandel

Mark Mandel is a Professor in the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he leads a research laboratory focused on beneficial microbe-host interactions. He is affiliated with the Microbial Sciences Building and holds a joint role with the Bacteriology Department. Dr. Mandel is a trainer in the Microbiology Doctoral Training Program, Genetics Training Program, and the Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, actively mentoring graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral researchers.

His research centers on the molecular mechanisms of symbiotic colonization, using the Vibrio fischeri-Hawaiian bobtail squid model to understand how specific microbial communities are established in animal hosts. Key areas include signal transduction, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and the evolution of host-microbe specificity. His lab employs genetic, imaging, and biochemical approaches to dissect the molecular dialogue between microbes and their hosts during colonization.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on cyclic di-GMP signaling, transcriptional regulation, biofilm dynamics, and genetic tools for studying Vibrio species. His work spans fundamental microbiology, ecological interactions, and technical innovation, with applications in understanding microbiome assembly and host immunity.

• Functional analysis of c-di-GMP pathways in Vibrio fischeri
• Development of CRISPRi and BarSeq tools for microbial genetics
• Imaging of bacterial metabolites in host tissues
• Regulation of symbiosis through two-component systems
• Evolution of host specificity in bacterial symbionts

Dr. Mandel has trained numerous students and postdocs, many of whom have advanced to faculty, industry, and clinical positions. His lab receives research support through grants and collaborates widely. He has contributed plasmids to Addgene, enabling broader scientific access to genetic tools. He has not received any explicitly mentioned scientific awards in the provided text.

The Mandel Laboratory operates within the Microbial Sciences Building at UW–Madison, utilizing advanced techniques in genetics, microscopy, and metabolomics. The lab fosters a collaborative environment for trainees across disciplines and continues to investigate the fundamental principles governing microbial colonization and symbiosis.