Biological Sciences Seminar: Sarah Volkman
Join the Department of Biological Sciences for a seminar presentation featuring Dr. Sarah Volkman, Principal Research Scientist in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard School T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Seminar Title: "Genomic Surveillance to Support Malaria Control and Elimination in Senegal"
Sarah Volkman is a Principal Research Scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with research interests in malaria biology, drug resistance, and population genetics. She leads efforts in collaboration with Professor Daouda Ndiaye at the University Cheikh Anta Diop and the International Center for Research and Training in Applied Genomics and Health Surveillance (CIGASS) in Senegal to apply population genetic strategies to identify genetic loci that contribute to drug resistance in malaria, as well to carry out molecular surveillance for ongoing threats including drug resistance, diagnostic failure, and insecticide resistance. Tracking parasite population genetic trends over time and geography using parasite relatedness has identified distinct transmission patterns and trends that help guide partners in the Senegal National Malaria Control Program about intervention selection and targeting. Her collaborative efforts apply malaria molecular surveillance to identify biologically and clinically relevant phenotypes and guide programmatic planning and evaluation.
Sarah received her B.S. from the University of California, San Diego (cum laude) in 1986 and her Sc.D. from the Division of Biological Sciences at the Harvard School of Public Health in 1995. She conducted postdoctoral studies with Professor Dyann Wirth at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and was appointed senior research scientist in 1998. Sarah Volkman is a molecular biologist and senior research scientist in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a member of the Broad Institute, and a Professor of Nursing at Simmons University.