Listen Free in iTunes

Listen Free on Stitcher Radio

Dr. Noah Fierer is a microbial ecologist and an Associate Professor in the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology department and a fellow in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Noah completed his PhD in Ecology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Afterward, he conducted postdoctoral research at Duke University. Noah is here with us today to tell us all about his journey through life and science.

People Behind the Science Podcast Show Notes

Life Outside of Science

When he’s not in the lab, Noah enjoys getting outdoors with his wonderful wife and daughter. Some of his favorite outdoor activities including hiking, biking, trail running, and skiing.

The Scientific Side

Noah studies bacteria, fungi, and viruses. He is interested in these microorganisms and their roles in our environment. Though a lot of the work in his lab looks at soil microbes, they also study microbes in and on our bodies, on plants, and in people’s homes.

A Dose of Motivation

Science is a lot of fun, and if you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.

What Got You Hooked on Science?

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Noah spent a lot of his free time playing outside and exploring the woods around his house. However, he didn’t always know he wanted to be a scientist. In college, Noah pursued art history planning to do art restoration. The more he got exposed to science, the more he couldn’t resist the allure of the intriguing world of microbes where there are still so many unknowns.

The Low Points: Failures and Challenges

Science is hard and rejection is a big part of the life of a scientist. When Noah gets papers or grant proposals rejected, it always helps to get outside, clear his head, and prepare himself to move forward.

A Shining Success!

One thing that Noah finds very rewarding is working with graduate and undergraduate students. It is exciting to start with someone who doesn’t know a lot about the field and watch them learn as they go through their research and ultimately create a solid body of work.

Book Recommendations

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George

Most Treasured Travel

For his field work, Noah has been able to travel to many fantastic places. He particularly remembers a trip to Peru where they started their excursion at about 10,000 feet in elevation and walked down to about 1,000 feet in elevation. It was spectacular to see the plants and animals changing and the temperature getting warmer as the elevation changed.

Quirky Traditions and Funny Memories

A common occurrence in Noah’s lab is snack sharing. When someone brings in a communal snack, an email goes out to the lab, and within seconds, everyone in the lab hurries away from their desks to indulge.

Advice For Us All

Science is a lot of fun. It’s not just about memorizing and struggling to learn tricky concepts. Classes may be boring at times, but it’s important try to see the beauty and excitement of science.

Guest Bio

Noah’s research group focuses on those microbial communities living in a wide range of environments, including soil, plant leaves, animal guts, buildings, and the atmosphere. His group explores microbial diversity in the environment and the linkages between microbial diversity and the health of animals, plants, and ecosystems. When he is not at work, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and hanging out with his family.