Meet the Team

Get to know the team and the expertise driving the MSE group

Welcome to the heart of the Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) working group! Our team comprises dedicated and diverse professionals who are pioneers in their fields, working together to explore the intricate relationship between microbiology and social equity. Each member brings a unique set of skills and perspectives, driving our mission forward through rigorous research, innovative solutions, and passionate advocacy. From groundbreaking scientists to visionary leaders, meet the individuals who are not just part of this change but are leading it. Dive into their stories below and discover how their contributions are shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.


Amber Benezra

Amber Benezra

Sociocultural Anthropologist

Carla Bonilla

Carla Bonilla

Associate Professor of Biology, University of San Diego

Katherine Darling

Katherine Darling

Assistant Professor of Health Science, University of Maine, Orono

Laura Grieneisen

Laura Grieneisen

Assistant Professor of Microbiology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan

Maya Hey

Maya Hey

Postdoctoral researcher, Centre for the Social Study of Microbes, University of Helsinki

Patrick Horve

Patrick Horve

PhD Candidate, University of Oregon

Sue Ishaq

Sue Ishaq

Assistant Professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Maine

Aviâja Lyberth Hauptmann

Aviâja Lyberth Hauptmann

Assistant Professor, Ilisimatusarfik University (The University of Greenland) and the Globe Institute, the University of Copenhagen

Kieran C. O’Doherty

Kieran C. O’Doherty

Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Guelph

Katherine Maki

Katherine Maki

Assistant Clinical Investigator, Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch, National Institutes of Health

Patricia G Wolf

Patricia G Wolf

Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

Ashley Toney

Ashley Toney

Postdoctoral Fellow, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute

Erin Eggleston

Erin Eggleston

Assistant Professor of Biology, Middlebury College, Vermont

Tammy Walsky

Tammy Walsky

PhD Candidate, Co-Website Developer, Cornell University

Erica Gardner

Erica Gardner

PhD Candidate, Co-Website Developer, University of Michigan


We hope you feel more connected to the individuals driving the Microbes and Social Equity Working Group forward. Each member's unique expertise and passion play a vital role in our collective mission. If you're inspired by our work, we encourage you to stay engaged. Follow us on Bluesky and Facebook, sign up for our Newsletter, or check out our Research and Resources pages to see our latest initiatives in action.

For collaborations or further inquiries, feel free to reach out via our Contact Us page. We are always open to exploring new ideas and partnerships that can help amplify our impact.