Dr. Sarah Hird
University of Connecticut
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
“My main research questions are about the evolution of host-associated microbiomes and microbial phylogeography. I’m also interested in how we can use/create computational tools to answer those questions. Specifically, I focus on what factors shape and maintain the gut microbiomes of wild birds.
Dr. Tami Lieberman
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Institute for Medical Engineering and Science
“Rational microbial-based therapies have the potential to treat a wide range of diseases and promote wellness. However, we remain severely limited in our ability to employ such therapies, as we cannot predict which bacterial strains have the potential to stably colonize an individual. My lab seeks to close this knowledge gap, developing an understanding of how individual species and strains behave in the human microbiome—including the selective pressures they face, niche ranges, survival strategies, and the degree to which they adapt to individual people.”