Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
@sierrathescientist.bsky.social
🧫Microbial Ecologist #BLM
🧬Postdoctoral Research Fellow @ Illinois IGB
🌍Ph.D. UIUC
🐄B.S. Rutgers
🧬Postdoctoral Research Fellow @ Illinois IGB
🌍Ph.D. UIUC
🐄B.S. Rutgers
Pinned
Hey Everyone👋🏽👋🏽 I'm a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Carl Woese Institute for Genomic Biology of the University of Illinois studying soil #microbiomes within human managed systems, such as agricultural and urban ecosystems! I graduated with my PhD. in 2023, and I am happy to leave Twitter/X!
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
From North Carolina to Mississippi, Black-owned farms are filling the gaps left by SNAP funding delays
Black-Owned Farms Fill Gaps Left by SNAP Funding Delays
From North Carolina to Mississippi, small businesses work to feed their communities while benefits are paused.
capitalbnews.org
November 9, 2025 at 2:25 PM
From North Carolina to Mississippi, Black-owned farms are filling the gaps left by SNAP funding delays
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
OMG
Do you teach #rstats? Do your students complain about how lame and old-fashioned dplyr is? Don't worry: I have the solution for you: github.com/hadley/genzp....
genzplyr is dplyr, but bussin fr fr no cap.
genzplyr is dplyr, but bussin fr fr no cap.
GitHub - hadley/genzplyr: dplyr but make it bussin fr fr no cap
dplyr but make it bussin fr fr no cap. Contribute to hadley/genzplyr development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:03 AM
OMG
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Even chimpanzees think rationally and weigh the evidence when making a choice ;-)
@science.org
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
@science.org
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Chimpanzees rationally revise their beliefs
The selective revision of beliefs in light of new evidence has been considered one of the hallmarks of human-level rationality. However, tests of this ability in other species are lacking. We examined...
www.science.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Even chimpanzees think rationally and weigh the evidence when making a choice ;-)
@science.org
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
@science.org
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
My labmate @kevinricks.bsky.social and I decided to complete a side project during the last year of our doctorate programs, and I'm happy to say that it's finally been published in New Phytologist !! doi.org/10.1111/nph....
Signatures of local nitrogen adaptation in the Brachypodium distachyon root microbiome
Plants associate with diverse microbiomes that impact their fitness, yet the contribution of the microbiome to plant adaptation is uncertain. As plant recruitment of its microbiome can be both highl...
doi.org
October 30, 2025 at 2:13 PM
My labmate @kevinricks.bsky.social and I decided to complete a side project during the last year of our doctorate programs, and I'm happy to say that it's finally been published in New Phytologist !! doi.org/10.1111/nph....
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
The Community Archaeology Radiocarbon Dating (CARD) Fund is now open for applications. ⏳
Funded by Archaeological Research Services Ltd and the SUERC Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, the fund covers the full cost of radiocarbon dating for community projects across the UK.👉
Funded by Archaeological Research Services Ltd and the SUERC Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, the fund covers the full cost of radiocarbon dating for community projects across the UK.👉
Community Archaeology Radiocarbon Dating (CARD) Fund
www.cardfund.org
October 29, 2025 at 10:01 AM
The Community Archaeology Radiocarbon Dating (CARD) Fund is now open for applications. ⏳
Funded by Archaeological Research Services Ltd and the SUERC Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, the fund covers the full cost of radiocarbon dating for community projects across the UK.👉
Funded by Archaeological Research Services Ltd and the SUERC Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory, the fund covers the full cost of radiocarbon dating for community projects across the UK.👉
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
A new analysis shows that out of 22 selective admission institutions, 20 showed a decline in the share of enrolled Black freshmen this fall, with nine seeing decreases of 30% or more. #HigherEd #AcademicSky www.forbes.com/sites/michae...
Initial Data Suggest Decrease In Black Freshman At Selective Colleges
An analysis of admissions data for 22 selective colleges suggests a decrease in the percentage of black freshmen admitted in 2025 at almost all of the institutions.
www.forbes.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:51 PM
A new analysis shows that out of 22 selective admission institutions, 20 showed a decline in the share of enrolled Black freshmen this fall, with nine seeing decreases of 30% or more. #HigherEd #AcademicSky www.forbes.com/sites/michae...
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
“More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law.“
Anti-science bills hit statehouses, stripping away public health protections built over a century
More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year.
apnews.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
“More than 420 anti-science bills attacking longstanding public health protections – vaccines, milk safety and fluoride – have been introduced in statehouses across the U.S. this year, part of an organized, politically savvy campaign to enshrine a conspiracy theory-driven agenda into law.“
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Fellow academics, I'm doing it. Going all in. Pulling the plug, literally.
This is on my syllabus for Spring 2026: "This is an analog class. No Canvas; this syllabus is your guide."
All readings are printed books; hand-written exams; no laptops. #academicbluesky #Highered #academia #Rutgers
This is on my syllabus for Spring 2026: "This is an analog class. No Canvas; this syllabus is your guide."
All readings are printed books; hand-written exams; no laptops. #academicbluesky #Highered #academia #Rutgers
October 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Fellow academics, I'm doing it. Going all in. Pulling the plug, literally.
This is on my syllabus for Spring 2026: "This is an analog class. No Canvas; this syllabus is your guide."
All readings are printed books; hand-written exams; no laptops. #academicbluesky #Highered #academia #Rutgers
This is on my syllabus for Spring 2026: "This is an analog class. No Canvas; this syllabus is your guide."
All readings are printed books; hand-written exams; no laptops. #academicbluesky #Highered #academia #Rutgers
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
As far as I can tell, this $8B in cuts to clean energy as part of the government shutdown is on top of the $13B from the pocket rescission.
"...this administration is not serious about American energy dominance”.
Big surprise.
www.energy.gov/articles/ene...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"...this administration is not serious about American energy dominance”.
Big surprise.
www.energy.gov/articles/ene...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump officials cut nearly $8bn in clean energy projects in Democratic states
Democrats and environmental groups slam move as ‘sick political game’ and say it will drive up energy bills
www.theguardian.com
October 4, 2025 at 5:16 PM
As far as I can tell, this $8B in cuts to clean energy as part of the government shutdown is on top of the $13B from the pocket rescission.
"...this administration is not serious about American energy dominance”.
Big surprise.
www.energy.gov/articles/ene...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
"...this administration is not serious about American energy dominance”.
Big surprise.
www.energy.gov/articles/ene...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump EPA moves to repeal landmark finding that allows climate regulation | AP News share.google/4j8mjz3qQ3wD...
Trump Environmental Protection Agency moves to repeal finding that allows climate regulation
President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed revoking a scientific finding that's long been the central basis for U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
share.google
July 29, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Trump EPA moves to repeal landmark finding that allows climate regulation | AP News share.google/4j8mjz3qQ3wD...
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Do not organize conferences in the US with an expectation to invite international scientists.
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/busines...
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/busines...
Travelers to the US must pay a new $250 'visa integrity fee' — What to know
The fee will be at least $250, is on top of other visa fees, and may be reimbursable.
www.nbcnewyork.com
July 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Do not organize conferences in the US with an expectation to invite international scientists.
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/busines...
www.nbcnewyork.com/news/busines...
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Peer review ≠ projection. You’re a reviewer, not a co-author. Judge what’s there—not what you wish was. We are not here to realize your fantasies. It is really not that hard.
a man wearing sunglasses and a fake mustache says " capiche "
ALT: a man wearing sunglasses and a fake mustache says " capiche "
media.tenor.com
June 30, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Peer review ≠ projection. You’re a reviewer, not a co-author. Judge what’s there—not what you wish was. We are not here to realize your fantasies. It is really not that hard.
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Glad to hear this 👇🏾(below) for Sarah Kapnick. The best of success to a singularly brilliant scientist!
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/31/w...
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/31/w...
JPMorgan hired NOAA's chief scientist to advise clients on navigating climate change
Last year, JPMorgan hired Sarah Kapnick as the bank's chief climate scientist. She's now advising clients on how climate change will impact their investments.
www.cnbc.com
June 1, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Glad to hear this 👇🏾(below) for Sarah Kapnick. The best of success to a singularly brilliant scientist!
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/31/w...
www.cnbc.com/2025/05/31/w...
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
After the NIH & Dept. of Health & Human Services announced plans to use private medical records for an "autism database", Gov. Pritzker signed an order preventing IL state orgs from sharing autism-related info without informed consent, @nberlat.bsky.social reports:
prismreports.org/2025/05/27/i...
prismreports.org/2025/05/27/i...
Illinois moves to protect autistic residents’ medical records
Gov. JB Pritzker issued an executive order after the NIH announced plans to use private medical records for an autism database
prismreports.org
May 27, 2025 at 9:01 PM
After the NIH & Dept. of Health & Human Services announced plans to use private medical records for an "autism database", Gov. Pritzker signed an order preventing IL state orgs from sharing autism-related info without informed consent, @nberlat.bsky.social reports:
prismreports.org/2025/05/27/i...
prismreports.org/2025/05/27/i...
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Start every day with this reality:
EVERY HOUSE SEAT and 33 Senate seats are up for election in 2026. THAT must be the focus. Let’s get disciplined.
#LeaveNoPowerOnTheTable
ballotpedia.org/United_State...
EVERY HOUSE SEAT and 33 Senate seats are up for election in 2026. THAT must be the focus. Let’s get disciplined.
#LeaveNoPowerOnTheTable
ballotpedia.org/United_State...
United States Congress elections, 2026
Ballotpedia: The Encyclopedia of American Politics
ballotpedia.org
May 25, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Start every day with this reality:
EVERY HOUSE SEAT and 33 Senate seats are up for election in 2026. THAT must be the focus. Let’s get disciplined.
#LeaveNoPowerOnTheTable
ballotpedia.org/United_State...
EVERY HOUSE SEAT and 33 Senate seats are up for election in 2026. THAT must be the focus. Let’s get disciplined.
#LeaveNoPowerOnTheTable
ballotpedia.org/United_State...
Nothing like a dust storm to start the weekend
May 16, 2025 at 10:53 PM
Nothing like a dust storm to start the weekend
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
If you're lucky enough to live someplace where you can see Brood XIV cicadas, I highly recommend the experience. Plus, you can help scientists map zombie hotspots on @inaturalist.bsky.social, entomologist @humanbyweight.bsky.social (author/artist of a guide to N. American cicadas) explains how!
It's a cicada sex party! Wait, who invited the zombies?
Periodical cicadas in Brood XIV are starting to appear, and so is the fungus Massospora cicadina, which infects and zombifies the cicadas. I wrote about what scientists hope to learn from Brood XIV cicada zombies, for @sciam.bsky.social 🧪
Periodical cicadas in Brood XIV are starting to appear, and so is the fungus Massospora cicadina, which infects and zombifies the cicadas. I wrote about what scientists hope to learn from Brood XIV cicada zombies, for @sciam.bsky.social 🧪
Prepare for ‘Sex, Drugs and Zombies’—Brood XIV Cicadas Are Coming
As 17-year cicadas emerge this spring, a zombifying fungus is waiting for them
www.scientificamerican.com
May 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
If you're lucky enough to live someplace where you can see Brood XIV cicadas, I highly recommend the experience. Plus, you can help scientists map zombie hotspots on @inaturalist.bsky.social, entomologist @humanbyweight.bsky.social (author/artist of a guide to N. American cicadas) explains how!
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Cannot emphasize this too strongly.
So: In 2017, Congress made this happen:
NIH: Proposed 22% cut --> 9% increase
NSF: Proposed 11% cut --> 4% increase
NOAA: Proposed 16% cut --> 4% increase
Obviously, 2025 is not 2017. A lot is diff now. But still:
💰 Congress, not WH, sets budgets.
📞 Public support & calls to Congress matter.
NIH: Proposed 22% cut --> 9% increase
NSF: Proposed 11% cut --> 4% increase
NOAA: Proposed 16% cut --> 4% increase
Obviously, 2025 is not 2017. A lot is diff now. But still:
💰 Congress, not WH, sets budgets.
📞 Public support & calls to Congress matter.
May 2, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Cannot emphasize this too strongly.
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Diet outperforms microbial transplant to drive microbiome recovery in mice | Nature
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Diet outperforms microbial transplant to drive microbiome recovery in mice - Nature
Experiments in mouse models show that proper recovery of the intestinal microbiota following depletion, with or without faecal microbiota transplant therapy, is dependent on syntrophic interactions th...
www.nature.com
April 30, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Diet outperforms microbial transplant to drive microbiome recovery in mice | Nature
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
This got WAY too little attention. 50 more Americans will die every day from cancer, heart attack and stroke than would have if the ban on harmful menthol cigarettes had been implemented.
Trump administration withdraws FDA plan to ban menthol cigarettes
The Trump administration has withdrawn a plan to ban menthol cigarettes in the U.S., in a setback to health regulators and activists.
www.reuters.com
April 30, 2025 at 6:19 PM
This got WAY too little attention. 50 more Americans will die every day from cancer, heart attack and stroke than would have if the ban on harmful menthol cigarettes had been implemented.
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
NEW: Farmers are dying by suicide at the third-highest rate by vocation in Utah.
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
Utah Farmers Signed Up for Federally Funded Therapy. Then the Money Stopped.
Farmers are dying by suicide at the third-highest rate by vocation in Utah. But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
www.propublica.org
April 30, 2025 at 12:03 PM
NEW: Farmers are dying by suicide at the third-highest rate by vocation in Utah.
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
But after a federal program offering mental health support ran out of money, the state did not continue it.
By @jessicamiller.bsky.social, with @sltrib.com
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
This is so horrible! Hopefully everything can be returned when he is gone gone gone!
www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-n...
www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-n...
Smithsonian begins removing exhibits, artifacts from African American History Museum
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Some artifacts and exhibits are being removed from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It comes a month after President Trump’s execu…
www.dcnewsnow.com
April 27, 2025 at 7:03 PM
This is so horrible! Hopefully everything can be returned when he is gone gone gone!
www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-n...
www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-n...
Reposted by Sierra S. Raglin, Ph.D.
Fungal endophytes may not be a reliable way to improve plant resilience to global change. Warmer temperatures disrupt symbiosis between plants and fungal endophytes by reducing fungal colonization and diversity in plant tissues, with stronger effects in leaves than roots.
dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb....
dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb....
Warming Disrupts Plant–Fungal Endophyte Symbiosis More Severely in Leaves Than Roots
Warmer temperatures associated with climate change disrupt relationships between plants and the fungi living in their leaves and roots by reducing the abundance and diversity of these fungi—especiall...
dx.doi.org
April 26, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Fungal endophytes may not be a reliable way to improve plant resilience to global change. Warmer temperatures disrupt symbiosis between plants and fungal endophytes by reducing fungal colonization and diversity in plant tissues, with stronger effects in leaves than roots.
dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb....
dx.doi.org/10.1111/gcb....