Meet Sarah
Hi! I'm Sarah Wolf, a microbiologist, marine scientist, Catholic, climate advocate, and public speaker. I recently completed my PhD in Microbiology at Oregon State University. I'm originally from Sacramento, California and am currently based in Portland, Oregon.
My research is focused on investigating the enzymatic biochemistry in marine ecosystems entering hypoxic states. I am an experimentalist, using mesocosms to understand the rate of microbial-driven oxygen loss in systems experiencing oxygen stress, with the ultimate goal of generating data to more tightly constrain regional to global scale ecosystem models.
I am a prolific science communicator, and as a first generation college student, I am driven to increase access to careers in research through the development of microbiology lessons and partnerships with K-12 teachers, collaborations with publishers to review STEM themed picture books, and my platform as an Instagram influencer sharing my daily life as an early career scientist.
research motivation
I study marine microbiology, exploring the biogeochemistry of low oxygen regions in the ocean, particularly focusing on their chronic persistence on the Pacific Northwest coast.
While the Oregon coast has naturally occurring low oxygen regions, anthropogenic climate change (i.e. warming waters, increased stratification) has exacerbated and accelerated ecosystem transformations. Currently, these regions make up approximately 8% of the world’s oceans and are predicted to increase in coming years.
Low oxygen regions of the ocean, called oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) threaten marine biodiversity, local fishing and tourism economies. While these regions are chronic on our coasts, patterns of deoxygenation are difficult to predict. My research focuses on how microbial physiology influences OMZs, and aims to fill a pronounced knowledge gap of the mechanisms of formation and expansion of oxygen-deplete regions.
I grew up fishing and crabbing for Dungeness crabs with my dad in Dillon Beach, CA. As a scientist, seeing the effects of ocean deoxygenation take hold in a species at the cornerstone of my personal memories pushes me to seek solutions for coastal fishing communities.
As our planet changes, I am a fervent advocate for the consumption of sustainable seafood. Educating on the bounty of our pacific fisheries has become one of my favorite topics to discuss as a science communicator.
ocean deoxygenation + coastal fishing communities
inspiring next gen scientists
As a first generation college student, I was unaware of the many opportunities out there for STEM careers. I enjoy sharing fun and little known tidbits about the microbial world with youth (+ the young at heart).
I'm committed to increasing access to cutting edge research science by creating lessons that students may not get in their usual biology curriculum. I frequently guest lecture in K-12 classrooms, and interact with young future scientists through my influence as a creator on Instagram. I do my best to show up as a relatable figure so that I can ensure students feel that science is a place for them. If I can do it, so can you.
I've mentored undergraduate students during my time at OSU and was awarded a Sheila Van Zandt award to train students on independent research projects. I believe in giving students opportunities to present and publish while compensating them fairly and giving them a seat at the table. My experience as an undergraduate researcher changed the trajectory of my life and I am determined to provide the same level of care and respect for my students.
At the university level, I have worked as an instructor in the microbiology department and worked with the teaching team to create lectures and labs that excite and engage students with cutting edge research topics. I've taught a variety of courses including Introductory Microbiology Laboratory, General Microbiology, Microbial Genome Evolution and Biodiversity, Human Microbiome, Fish Disease, Food Microbiology and Principles of Biology Laboratory.
outreach + education
community involvement
I began my collegiate studies as a Political Science major and while my career shifted from policy to science, my commitment to being an active participant in my communities hasn't faltered.
As an undergraduate at Cal State LA, I served as President of the Student Health Advisory Committee where I led students to create outreach materials, communicate with university officials and certify Peer Health Educators. I also served as an Advisor on President Bill Covino's "Mind Matters" Committee, where I provided a students perspective to the University board regarding campus life and student mental health. I forged a relationship with the Veterans Affairs office on campus to ensure student Veterans needs were being met at the Student Health Center.
As a graduate student at Oregon State University, I've worked to combine my interests in policy and science as an advocate for microbial funding, participating and helping to lead American Society for Microbiology Hill Day visits with policymakers (2019-2022). I have served as an advisor on the College of Science Dean's Student Board of Advisors and the Benton County Environmental and Natural Resource Committee.
policy + advocacy
personal motivation
My faith is an integral part of my identity as a climate scientist. I'm a "Cradle Catholic" but it wasn't until graduate school when the questions I had about environmentalism, my faith, and the natural world, started to merge. I began to view the world through the lens of "integral ecology", which Pope Francis defines as the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, political, social, cultural and ethical issues in his encyclical, Laudato Si.
Studying microbiology stirs my wonder and awe in creation. I'm always struck by the specificity, order and beauty of creation down to the smallest cells I study in the laboratory. I see the biochemical pathways and the sophisticated survival strategies of bacteria I encounter daily as a way of knowing God. I believe my religion tells me who created the universe and my science tells me how he did it. It brings me joy to share the good news of the Lord’s creation, the scientific aptitude he’s gifted people throughout history with, and hope for the future despite present-day suffering. The world needs more good news.
Faith + Science