Skip to main content

Dr. Annabel Naditz, PhD

Dr. Annabel Naditz, PhD
Year Graduated:
2020
Degree:
PhD

Major Professor: Dr. Schmitz-Esser

Home Department: Animal Science

Dissertation Title: A Comparative Analysis of Listeria monocytogenes Plasmids: Presence, Contribution to Stress and Conservation

Current Job Title: Corporate Microbiologist with Rose Acre Farms


Please describe your current position

I’m the corporate microbiologist for an egg production company, working with an eye to food safety and environmental monitoring

Please describe your research at ISU

I studied the role of plasmids in Listeria monocytogenes and their role in food safety and environmental persistence.

How did your time in the Interdepartmental Microbiology program prepare you for your current position?

The IM program taught me how to translate scientific data to laymen, and how to use my skills in critical thinking and evaluation to complete projects.

What advice would you give students looking for work in a similar position or field?

Network. As much as possible. Meet with not just current students and alumni, but talk with other professors, your committee members, and get to know them. You never where the next opportunity can come from.

What are your favorite part of the Interdepartmental Microbiology program?

The life long friends that I’ve made as well as my experience in the lab.

What was your favorite part of living in Ames?

The community is great, and the town is welcoming to students. Plus, there’s plenty to do either in town or in Des Moines, which isn’t too far.

If you could give new students in the program a piece of advice, what would you say?

Make connections and socialize/network in the beginning. Especially within your cohort. They’ll be part of your support system during grad school.

What advice would you give students about to graduate and enter the job market?

Talk with your PI and your POS committee about where you want to go after you graduate (academia, industry, government). If they know what you’re interested in, they can forward some job inquiries your way.