Cassandra McCorison

Cassandra McCorison is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Chemistry Department at the University of St. Thomas, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on microbial communities and antibiotic resistance dynamics in wastewater treatment facilities, utilizing proximity ligation sequencing and real-time PCR techniques. Previously, she studied the photobiology of the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, employing RNA sequencing and gene knockout methods to understand light-driven pathogenic mechanisms.

Her work bridges environmental microbiology and plant pathology, addressing critical issues in public health and agricultural sustainability. Though not currently teaching courses, she contributes to the academic mission through research and community partnerships. McCorison’s publications highlight advancements in understanding microbial adaptation and pathogen-environment interactions.

Her research interests span bioinformatics, molecular biology, and fungal pathogenesis, with a particular emphasis on applying genomic tools to real-world challenges. Collaborative efforts with wastewater treatment facilities and agricultural stakeholders ensure her work has practical implications for environmental and food security initiatives.