The MSE leadership team has been re-elected for 2024–2027
We are pleased to announce that the Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) leadership team has been re-elected for a new three-year term. This team brings together a diverse group of researchers and educators committed to advancing the MSE mission through cross-disciplinary collaboration, inclusive education, and critical thinking about microbes in context.
Over the next three years, the team will focus on finalising the MSE By-Laws for self-governance, developing a Code of Conduct, and establishing clear frameworks for collaboration through research and education. Below is a summary of the members elected for the 2024 to 2027 term:
Board of Directors
Dr Amber Benezra, PhD
Sociocultural anthropologist and author of Gut Anthro: An Experiment in Thinking With Microbes, Amber works at the intersection of human microbiome studies, biomedical ethics, and public health. Her research explores how transdisciplinary partnerships address global health problems, particularly around malnutrition.
Dr Carla Bonilla, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology at the University of San Diego, Carla investigates stress responses in Bacillus subtilis and uses critical pedagogy to connect microbiology and social justice. She also chairs the MicroBio-LEAP Task Force promoting inclusive leadership in microbiological sciences.
Dr Katherine Darling, PhD
Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at the University of Maine School of Nursing, Katherine’s work spans the ethical and social dimensions of genomics and the social determinants of health. She supports experiential, project-based learning and mentors graduate students across multiple disciplines.
Dr Laura Grieneisen, PhD
Assistant Professor of Microbiology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, Laura studies how environmental stress shapes wild animal microbiomes, with a particular focus on microbial resilience and climate change.
Dr Maya Hey, PhD
Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki’s Centre for the Social Study of Microbes, Maya explores fermentation practices through a lens that combines dietetics, food studies, and communications.
Patrick Horve
PhD candidate in Dr Karen Guillemin’s lab at the University of Oregon, Patrick’s research focuses on microbially secreted factors and pancreatic beta-cell function. He is passionate about connecting microbiology with public policy and equity.
Dr Sue Ishaq, PhD
Associate Professor of Microbiomes at the University of Maine and founder of MSE, Sue’s research spans gut, soil, and built environment microbiomes. Her current focus is on how host-microbe interactions can reduce inflammation in humans and animals. She also serves as an At-Large Board Member for the American Society for Microbiology.
Dr Aviâja Lyberth Hauptmann, PhD
Inuk microbiologist based at Ilisimatusarfik – University of Greenland, Aviâja researches Indigenous foodways, fermentation, and Arctic microbial relations. She also leads the SILA Team and is active in education initiatives that centre Inuit values and knowledge.
Dr Kieran O'Doherty, PhD
Professor of Psychology at the University of Guelph, Kieran studies the ethical and social implications of science and technology, with a strong focus on public engagement and collective governance. He is editor of Theory and Psychology.
Dr Katherine Maki, PhD
Assistant Clinical Investigator at the NIH’s Translational Biobehavioral and Health Disparities Branch and Head of the BIOM Unit, Katherine studies the gut-brain axis and how environmental factors like sleep and alcohol influence cardiovascular risk through microbial pathways.
Dr Patricia Wolf, PhD, RD
Registered dietitian and Assistant Professor researching microbial sulfur metabolism and its links to cancer disparities, Patricia’s work bridges microbiology, dietetics, and community-level environmental influences on gut health.
General Secretary
Dr Ashley Toney, PhD, RDN
Postdoctoral fellow at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute and registered dietitian, Ashley focuses on the role of nitrate in health and disease. She is committed to positioning MSE as a trusted, evidence-based platform for discussing nuanced topics in microbiome research, especially in nutrition science.
Global Classroom Curriculum Coordinator
Dr Erin Eggleston, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology at Middlebury College, Erin is a microbial ecologist whose work includes harmful algal blooms and coral reef resilience. She is passionate about student-led pedagogy and microbial justice, and brings a love of climbing and speculative fiction to her teaching and research.
Each member brings deep expertise, creative energy, and a strong sense of purpose to their role. As MSE continues to grow, this leadership team will guide our work in research, education, ethics, and equity.