‘Lessons from Bats & Rats’: SUNY Potsdam Hosts Dr. Cecilia Sanchez for Free Talk on Connections Between Animals, Human & Environmental Health
Dr. Cecilia Sanchez, a senior research scientist for EcoHealth Alliance, will present a talk at SUNY Potsdam as part of the free Diversity in STEM Talk Series, on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m., in Kellas Hall Room 106, followed by a free reception.
SUNY Potsdam will welcome Dr. Cecilia Sanchez, a senior research scientist at EcoHealth Alliance, for an upcoming discussion as part of the Diversity in STEM Talk Series, sponsored by the Arconic Foundation.
Dr. Sanchez will present a talk, “Connections Between Animals, Human and Environmental Health: Lessons from Bats and Rats,” on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m., in Kellas Hall Room 106. There will be a reception with refreshments following the talk, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Kellas Hall Lobby. This event is free, and the public is invited to attend.
In her work at EcoHealth Alliance, a New York City-based non-profit organization focused on pandemic prevention and wildlife conservation, Sanchez focuses on understanding socio-ecological factors that precipitate pathogen spillover from wildlife to humans. She is especially interested in bat- and rodent-borne pathogens. Sanchez earned a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Georgia’s Odum School of Ecology. Her dissertation work examined the effects of urban landscapes on wildlife behavior, exposures to toxicants, and disease dynamics, and involved intensive fieldwork with flying foxes in Australia. Prior to her doctoral studies, Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Yale University.
In the talk, Sanchez will share her path as an early career scientist, providing an overview of main themes in her research, including how and why microbes spill over from animals to humans. She will also discuss her efforts to promote equity and inclusion in science, particularly through involvement with women in science organizations. Finally, Sanchez will offer advice for current students as they look ahead to what comes next after graduation.
To learn more about SUNY Potsdam’s programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, visit https://www.potsdam.edu/about/our-campus/study-stem.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.