The organizers, Advisory Committee, and Michigan State University's Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics would like to welcome you to East Lansing for the 2021 Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference (MMPC). Since 1994, the MMPC has brought together investigators from the Midwest region of the United States to present and discuss recent advances in the field of microbial pathogenesis. This is the second time that the MMPC has been hosted by MSU and the institution is proud to lead and promote excellent science in the Midwest. MMPC constitutes a major scientific venue that supports the development of the next generation of research scientists with special emphasis upon inclusion of women and researchers from underrepresented minority (URM) populations. In addition to providing an interactive and engaging scientific forum for investigators to present their work and establish collaborations, MMPC fosters networking between investigators and institutions across the Midwest. The MMPC provides a great opportunity for students, fellows, and faculty alike to renew old friendships and make important new contacts.