Dr. Sarah McGrath-Blaser
Ph.D. in Zoology | ORISE Postdoctoral Fellow at the US EPA
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Dr. Sarah McGrath-Blaser
Ph.D. in Zoology | ORISE Postdoctoral Fellow at the US EPA
Microbes - including bacteria, fungi, and viruses - drive the world's processes as well as my curiosity.
My interest in microbial ecology came from foam, specifically the foam nest produced during breeding by some species of frogs on the island of Borneo. For my master's research, I looked at these foam-nest breeding frogs and their ability to contribute microbes to the skin of their offspring during reproduction. Foremost as a herpetologist, this project blended my passions for amphibian conservation, microbiome discovery, and ecology. The great thing about delving into the unknown though is that it often leads to more questions!
Since graduating with my master's, I've worked with Smithsonian researchers on investigative microbial projects, taught undergraduate research-based laboratory classes, and completed my Ph.D. in Zoology. My research focused on the amphibian-killing microfungi (Batrachochytrids) and the ability of humans to spread these pathogens all over the globe!
Currently, I am an ORISE Postdoctoral researcher at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working on pathogen fate and transport in aquatic systems with a focus on recreational waters and urban environments. In this position I aim to expand my microbial ecology skillsets and gain new understanding of pathogens in water from a OneHealth perspective.
My goal is to be a microbial ecologist working at the intersection of human impact and wildlife conservation in government, academia, or industry. Also, I have a great fondness for museums and public institutions where scientific exploration can profoundly impact the community. Ideally, a future position would blend opportunities for discovery with community outreach.
My interest in microbial ecology came from foam, specifically the foam nest produced during breeding by some species of frogs on the island of Borneo. For my master's research, I looked at these foam-nest breeding frogs and their ability to contribute microbes to the skin of their offspring during reproduction. Foremost as a herpetologist, this project blended my passions for amphibian conservation, microbiome discovery, and ecology. The great thing about delving into the unknown though is that it often leads to more questions!
Since graduating with my master's, I've worked with Smithsonian researchers on investigative microbial projects, taught undergraduate research-based laboratory classes, and completed my Ph.D. in Zoology. My research focused on the amphibian-killing microfungi (Batrachochytrids) and the ability of humans to spread these pathogens all over the globe!
Currently, I am an ORISE Postdoctoral researcher at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) working on pathogen fate and transport in aquatic systems with a focus on recreational waters and urban environments. In this position I aim to expand my microbial ecology skillsets and gain new understanding of pathogens in water from a OneHealth perspective.
My goal is to be a microbial ecologist working at the intersection of human impact and wildlife conservation in government, academia, or industry. Also, I have a great fondness for museums and public institutions where scientific exploration can profoundly impact the community. Ideally, a future position would blend opportunities for discovery with community outreach.
