The Face of Microbiology

Dr. Robert Deibel — a professor in the bacteriology department at Cornell University, chair of the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin and former head of the Food Research Institute, opened his first lab in Madison, Wis. Fifty-six years later, stainless-steel benches replace the lab’s original dark brown ones — a color chosen to represent chocolate, which was the product of Deibel Laboratories’ main client. One laboratory has multiplied to 15, with two more on the way. Deibel’s son, C.T., started in the Chicago laboratory more than 20 years ago after earning a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Florida.

In 2020, ownership transferred to C.T. — now CEO and president. Under C.T.’s leadership, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical and bioscience testing services have been added and expanded. Deibel Laboratories currently employs just less than 500 associates and continues to exemplify excellence in microbiological testing, research and consulting services to its clients.