Sarah McAnulty

Sarah McAnulty is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on symbiotic relationships between marine organisms and bacteria, particularly in cephalopods like the Hawaiian bobtail squid. She investigates how bacterial communities influence reproductive organ development, symbiotic colonization mechanisms, and host-microbe interactions. McAnulty’s work bridges microbiology, developmental biology, and evolutionary biology, with a strong emphasis on understanding symbiosis-driven adaptations.

• Research Interests: Microbiome dynamics, symbiotic organ evolution, bacterial communication, and host-microbe coevolution.
• Public Engagement: Co-founded Skype a Scientist, connecting classrooms with researchers worldwide.

Her recent articles explore topics such as Vibrio fischeri symbiosis, reproductive organ microbiomes, and pH-driven bacterial signaling. McAnulty’s studies often integrate genomic, immunological, and ecological approaches, contributing to broader understanding of symbiotic partnerships in marine ecosystems.