Michelle Steinauer

Michelle Steinauer is an Associate Professor of Microbiology at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific - Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, where she has served since 2012. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2004) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of New Mexico (2007).

• Senior Research Assistant Professor, Oregon State University (College of Veterinary Medicine)
• Research Assistant Professor of Biology, University of New Mexico

Her research focuses on the ecology, evolution, genetics, and epidemiology of parasitic organisms. Key areas include transmission dynamics, parasite hybridization, host resistance mechanisms, pathogen community interactions, and control strategies for parasitic infections. She employs molecular techniques and field/laboratory studies to address these topics.

Research trends in her publications emphasize parasite genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and tropical disease control, with specific attention to schistosomes and their transmission dynamics. Her work spans molecular epidemiology, eco-immunology, and parasitic infection mechanisms.

• Most Outstanding Basic Sciences Faculty of the Year (student-voted, 2018)
• ASHMTH Young Investigator Award (2007)
• ASP Best Student Presentation Award (2003)

She has contributed to non-invasive sampling methods for parasite genetics, drug resistance monitoring, and host-snail compatibility studies. Her grants include funding for natural antiparasitic compound research and eco-immunology studies.