Co-Advisor: James Bryers (Bioengineering)
Ph.D., Bioengineering, University of Washington, 2024
B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 2019
(she/her/hers)
Sarah is originally from Denver, Colorado and earned her BS in biomedical engineering from Columbia University. Her undergraduate research focused on studying Mycobacterium abscessus in an effort to understand its natural resistance to antibiotics through biofilm formation, which contributes to virulence in the bronchi of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Her project tested, and ultimately proved, the hypothesis that M. abscessus biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance are enhanced by the presence of human neutrophils. As an undergraduate, Sarah also received an Amgen Scholar award to participate in the UCSF Summer Research Training Program, and worked in the lab of Dr. William DeGrado. Her project characterized a membrane protein computationally designed from scratch and intended to form a dimeric complex with the natural membrane receptor for the growth factor erythropoietin. In 2019, Sarah joined the bioengineering department as a PhD student mentored by Dr. James Bryers. Sarah is continuing her study of biofilms, now in the context of implanted devices and nosocomial infections with a focus on biomaterial and chemical prevention strategies. She works closely with the Daggett lab to combine novel peptides designed to target bacterial amyloid with the biomaterial expertise of the Bryers lab. She strongly believes this project has broad translational potential in preventing biofilm infections caused by bacteria in a range of clinical settings. Outside of the lab, Sarah enjoys running, skiing, and going on adventures with her dog.
Awards:
- Institute of Translational Health Sciences TL1 Trainee, 2021-2022
- University of Washington College of Engineering Dean’s Fellowship, 2019