About Us
Microbial Research Inc. was founded by Donald and Deborah Bade in Fort Collins, Colorado in October 2003. After working for a successful veterinary animal research company for nearly 20 years, Don knew that there was still a significant need in the veterinary microbiological industry. Their beginnings were a strategic idea to fill a gap in the veterinary drug research industry. While Microbial Research Inc. started small with only five employees, the company has since doubled and thrives in the heart of central Fort Collins, Colorado.
Don is the General Manager / President of Microbial Research Inc. and still participates in the day to day operation of the laboratory. Since the beginning, Don has made a goal to grow Microbial Research Inc.’s impact. They partnered with Microbiology International in 2015 as a branch to provide media to the western half of the United States. Don has also shared his microbiology expertise nationally and internationally. He has been a contributing member of CLSI since 1996. With his long-standing presence in the microbiology industry, Don has shared his expertise on specific procedures across seas in Hungary and France. His dogs have always been his companions at work and have joined him every day at the Microbial Research Office since they were puppies! Both Bade children have also worked at MRI, in various capacities, truly making it a family environment.
In 2005, Chandra Machin joined the Microbial Research team as a laboratory research technician. Through her hard work and dedication, she has grown with the company and is now the Laboratory Director at MRI. Chandra received her degree in Microbiology from CSU and has supported Microbial Research Inc.’s goals by coordinating laboratory studies and interfacing with sponsors to assure their needs are met.
MicroFACT
As a Company, we strive to uphold the following values in everything that we do:
- Microbial Research Inc. was awarded the BBB Torch Award for Ethics in 2014 and the Pinnacol Circle of Safety award for two consecutive years exemplifying our commitment to integrity.


- Continuous Improvement - We work creatively. We develop and initiate implementation of creative solutions to increase efficiencies, think outside the box to solve problems and eliminate root causes of issues.
- Commitment - We work hard. We take high levels of ownership in our work while maintaining flexibility to meet changing study and customer needs. We are satisfied when our team and our customers succeed.
- Integrity - We work honestly. We take responsibility for our work. We value communication with the intent of understanding and respect. We treat all who interact with our company as if they were a part of our team.
- Dependability - We work reliably. We value meeting deadlines in a timely fashion. We follow through with tasks and proactively communicate when issues arise.
- Quality - We work thoroughly. We ensure that work is performed accurately by following proper procedures. We identify unusual and significant information to ensure our product of quality research is attained.
- Sustainability - We work compassionately. We perform work with costs and environmental stewardship in mind. We are committed to corporate social responsibility by contributing positively to each individual, their families, the surrounding community and the environment.