Sarah Gross

Sarah Gross is Dean of the Santmann School of Health Sciences at Farmingdale State College, where she is also an active faculty member in biological sciences. She teaches courses such as BIO 130 (Biological Principles I), BIO 348 (Cell Biology Lecture), and BIO 415 (Human Virology).

Education:

• PhD, Developmental and Molecular Biology (Virology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2004
• MS, Developmental and Molecular Biology (Virology), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2000
• BA, Biology, Yeshiva University, 1998 – Summa cum Laude

Her research and academic interests lie at the intersection of virology, molecular biology, and microbiology. She specializes in human viral pathogens including Zika virus, Ebola virus, and SARS-CoV-2, with a strong emphasis on public understanding of viral outbreaks. Her work bridges laboratory science and science communication, as seen in her invited colloquia addressing scientific facts versus misinformation during pandemics.

The two most recent publications are book chapters on archaea, reflecting her broader expertise in microbial life forms beyond viruses. These contributions highlight her engagement with fundamental microbiological concepts and classification systems.

Scientific Awards:

• Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2017

As Dean, Sarah Gross plays a significant leadership role in academic administration and curriculum development within the School of Health Sciences. She has delivered key presentations on global health threats, indicating her role in public education and institutional outreach. There is no mention of externally funded research grants or formal student advising, though her teaching excellence and scholarly contributions underscore her impact on undergraduate education.

Her leadership position suggests involvement in faculty mentorship, program development, and interdisciplinary collaboration within health sciences, though specific lab affiliations or research teams are not detailed in the provided text.