Gillian Tarr

Gillian Tarr is an Associate Professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota, specializing in infectious disease epidemiology with a focus on foodborne and enteric pathogens. Her work bridges public health practice and molecular research methodologies.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Washington (2017)
• MHS in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2006)
• BA in Biology from Bard College (2004)

Dr. Tarr's research centers on Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections, examining their distribution, zoonotic transmission patterns, virulence mechanisms, and detection methodologies. She investigates attribution of enteric illnesses to specific pathogens including norovirus and C. difficile, while advancing diagnostic stewardship frameworks for enteric infections as integral components of antibiotic stewardship programs. Her methodological toolkit prominently features phylogenetic analysis and spatial epidemiology techniques to map transmission dynamics.

Her scientific recognitions include:

• 2019-2021 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (CIHR, terminated early)
• 2019-2021 Alberta Innovates Postgraduate Fellowship (terminated early)
• 2017-2019 Eyes High Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Calgary, terminated early)
• 2017-2018 NIH Predoctoral Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (terminated early)

Dr. Tarr maintains active professional engagement as a member of the Society for Epidemiologic Research (since 2016) and holds continuous certification as a Certified in Public Health (CPH) professional through the National Board of Public Health Examiners (since 2008, renewed biennially).