Franziska Sandmeier

Franziska Sandmeier is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Colorado State University - Pueblo. Her research focuses on ecological immunology, disease dynamics, and conservation of reptiles, particularly the Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). She examines how environmental factors (seasonality, temperature, habitat) and biological traits (metabolism, phylogeny) influence host-pathogen interactions in ectothermic species. Her work bridges immunology and conservation biology, emphasizing the need for practical conservation strategies informed by ecoimmunological principles.

Dr. Sandmeier’s research integrates field studies, lab experiments, and genomic analyses. Current projects include studying immunological memory in captive tortoises, thermal dependence of immune functions, and microbial diversity in reptiles. She has advised multiple graduate students, including Ellen Norton (ornate box turtle habitat use), Mariah Painter (thermally-dependent phagocytosis), and Kiara Olson (immunological priming mechanisms). Past students have explored pathogens like Mycoplasma agassizii and Pasteurella testudinis in wild tortoise populations.

Her teaching spans zoology, herpetology, ecological immunology, and conservation policy. She emphasizes student engagement, often involving undergraduates in fieldwork and lab research. Dr. Sandmeier’s lab collaborates with institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno and the Mojave National Preserve, contributing to wildlife disease surveillance and conservation efforts.