معرفی
Erin McKenney is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University and serves as Director of Undergraduate Programs. Her work bridges microbial ecology, science education, and citizen science, focusing on microbial community dynamics in natural and fermented systems.
Education:
- Ph.D., Duke University
- M.S., North Carolina State University
Her research investigates how gut microbiomes evolve across species (primates, carnivores, rhinos) and environments, emphasizing conservation implications. She also pioneers citizen science initiatives like sourdough microbiome studies, democratizing microbial research through accessible frameworks.
Recent publications highlight trends in microbial ecology, comparative morphology, and educational innovation, with keywords spanning biodiversity, fermentation, and applied pedagogy. McKenney integrates evidence-based teaching methods to combat stereotype threats and enhance scientific literacy.
She leads interdisciplinary collaborations, mentors diverse students, and secures grants for microbial research and outreach. Her lab affiliations include partnerships with the Dunn Lab, focusing on global microbiome studies through public engagement.
