Tarah Sullivan

Tarah Sullivan is an Associate Professor and Soil Microbiologist in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at Washington State University (WSU), affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). She also holds roles as a Faculty Researcher in Molecular Plant Sciences and an Affiliate with the Center for Native American Research and Collaborations. Her work bridges Western science with Indigenous knowledge to address soil health, microbial ecology, and agricultural sustainability in the Pacific Northwest.

Education: Ph.D. in Soil Science (Cornell University, 2010), M.S. in Soil Science (Colorado State University, 2004), B.S. in Restoration Ecology (Colorado State University, 2002).

Research Interests: Sullivan investigates soil microbiome functions, including microbial interactions with plant health, metal bioavailability, and soil acidification. Her projects emphasize agroecology, Indigenous partnerships, and sustainable practices for smallholder farmers. Key areas include rhizosphere microbiome dynamics, microbial contributions to soil health, and the use of biochar and cover crops in dryland systems.

Grants & Awards: Recipient of the 2025 Francis E. Clark Distinguished Lectureship in Soil Biology. Her work has been funded by NSF-RaMP and other initiatives focused on bridging DEI in science and traditional ecological knowledge.

Teaching: Courses include SOIL_SCI 541 (Soil-Plant-Microbe Interactions) and SOIL_SCI 531L (Soil Microbiology Lab), focusing on microbial ecology, bioremediation, and nutrient cycling.

Labs & Collaborations: Sullivan’s lab uses molecular techniques and cultivation-based methods to study microbial communities. Partnerships include tribal nations and organizations addressing environmental justice in agriculture and resource management.