Anna O'Brien

Anna O'Brien is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), part of the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA). Her research focuses on plant-microbiome interactions under global change stressors, exploring how evolutionary dynamics in these relationships influence host fitness and resilience. She employs advanced techniques like sequencing, epigenetics, and computational modeling to unravel these complex systems.

Professor O'Brien’s work bridges ecology, evolution, and molecular biology, with a particular emphasis on bioremediation applications and the impacts of climate change on plant-microbe mutualisms. She teaches courses including Microbial Ecology & Evolution, Molecular Genetics, and Professional Perspectives in Genetics. Her team actively seeks new members for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD programs.

Key research themes include the interplay between microbiomes and environmental stressors, such as temperature, CO2, and microplastics. Her lab investigates how these stressors influence plant adaptation and mutualistic outcomes. Recent studies highlight the resilience of aquatic plants and their microbiomes under multiple stressors, as well as the development of novel imaging systems for phenotyping small organisms.

While no formal awards are listed, her extensive publication record reflects contributions to understanding evolutionary consequences of microbiomes and the design of bioremediation strategies. Ongoing projects aim to integrate environmental and genomic data to predict ecosystem responses under changing conditions.