Sarah Hobbie was named a 2016 Distinguished McKnight University Professor; one of seven faculty members from across the University to receive the recognition. The Distinguished McKnight University Professorship program recognizes outstanding mid-career faculty members.
Hobbie was elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in 2013, joining an elite group of scientists from across the country as a member of the most influential scientific body in the United States. She is a co-leader of the Cedar Creek Long-Term Ecological Research Program at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve where she collaborates with faculty members from CBS and CFANS, as well as colleagues from around the country on research related to understanding the ecological consequences of diverse human-caused environmental changes. In addition to her work at Cedar Creek, Hobbie investigates the impact of human activity in urban environments, particularly the causes of urban water pollution.
On the teaching side, Hobbie served as director of graduate studies in the Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Graduate Program. She is a member of the University’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers and has received various awards for graduate student mentoring. She is active in the Writing-Enriched Curriculum program and currently chairs the Campus Writing Board.
Regents Professor David Tilman describes Hobbie as a world-class teacher, mentor and researcher. “Her ecological research provides deep insight into how soil bacteria and fungi influence ecosystems,” he says. “Her work on urban ecosystems is uncovering paths toward greater environmental sustainability.”
Hobbie received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1995 and joined the College of Biological Sciences faculty in 1998.