Karen Kalanetra

Dr. Kalanetra became Manager of the Phaff Yeast Culture Collection in January 2026. She brings more than two decades of experience in microbial ecology, molecular biology, and laboratory management to the stewardship and continued development of the collection. Her scientific career began with the cultivation and characterization of previously unknown microorganisms from deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps during her Ph.D. research at UC Davis, giving her an early appreciation for the challenges and value of maintaining diverse microbial resources. Her subsequent research spanned polar marine microbial ecology, radiation biology, and human, animal, and food microbiomes, resulting in more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. Before joining the Phaff Collection, Dr. Kalanetra spent more than 16 years at UC Davis as a microbial ecologist and laboratory and project manager, supporting interdisciplinary research, developing molecular and sequencing workflows, and mentoring students and scientists. Today, she focuses on strengthening the collection as a resource for research, education, and discovery. Dr. Kalanetra coordinates projects that expand its holdings and applications while ensuring that its living collection and institutional knowledge are preserved for future generations. Training students is an especially rewarding part of her role; she is dedicated to giving undergraduates hands-on experience with microbial cultivation and culture collection preservation. Influenced by mentors who shaped her own career, Dr. Kalanetra aims to offer students that same encouragement as they build their skills, confidence, and scientific curiosity. Dr. Kalanetra is particularly excited to build on the Phaff Collection's long history, strengthen its sustainability, expand its connections within the culture collection community, and help researchers discover the scientific possibilities held within its microbial library.