Eric Conners

Eric Conners is an Engineering & Science Post-doctoral Fellow in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic. He brings 10+ years of life sciences experience to the clinic, where he provides technical guidance on cases and supervises undergraduate student consultants.

Prior to joining the clinic, Eric earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Washington University in St. Louis, where he investigated bacteria that “eat” electricity to make bioplastic. Outside of the lab, Eric worked as a Consultant & Project Manager with the Biotechnology and Life Sciences Advising Group, delivering evidence-based recommendations to clients in the biotechnology, telecommunications, university technology transfer, and insurance industries. He also served as Treasurer & Managing Editor of InPrint, Wash U’s trainee-led scientific communication network. In 2021, he received the Howard A. Schneiderman Fellowship in recognition of his commitment to the societal impacts of science. He also earned the Division of Biology and Biomedical Science’s Science Communication Credential in 2022 and a Professional Development in Teaching Citation in 2023.

Before pursuing his Ph.D., Eric received his B.S. from Allegheny College. Here, he conducted research on a wide range of topics, from salamander biomechanics to the distribution of invasive aquatic species in local tributaries. After graduating from Allegheny, he worked alongside healthcare professionals at University of Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and health outcomes in premature infants. Along with his graduate studies, these diverse experiences have equipped Eric to tackle the highly interdisciplinary matters before the clinic.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys soccer and playing with his cat, Yams.