Microbiologists are professionals who are versed in the study of microorganisms, micro-organisms, and microflora. They specialize in the examination of microbial entities such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae, and conduct research on their properties and behavior in different environments. Synonyms for microbiologist may include microbiology researcher, microbial scientist, bacteriologist, virologist, mycologist, immunologist, or even microbial ecologist. These designations necessarily depend on the specific field of specialization within which the microbiologist is working. Ultimately, professionals under these synonyms have a primary aim of understanding microorganisms to improve human health.