Abigail Kargol, PhD

I was born and raised in the Midwest by a mother whose passion for the environment inspired such elementary school science projects as "Which 'Green' Cleaning Products Work Best?" and "How Fast Do Different Food Scraps Compost?" Needless to say, I always knew that I wanted to be a scientist.

 

I felt particularly drawn to biology, which led me to study microbiology at the University of Minnesota. I continued to pursue my interest in environmental issues with a minor in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. At a large research institution, I was able to secure a student research position my second year, and progressed through two independent research projects over the next three years, both focused on pollution remediation and prevention. I also balanced my courses and labwork with an athletic career on the university's cross-country and track teams.

 

For the next phase of my education I combined my passion for microbiology with my desire to address environmental issues. I completed my advanced degrees at the University of Washington under Dr. Heidi Gough, receiving a MSc in 2021 and a PhD in 2024. I learned about the many ways that microbiology can be used to address environmental issues in wastewater treatment, remediation, agriculture, soil, and aquatic ecosystems:

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- I tested microbial communities for ability to degrade pharmaceuticals, using soils collected from wastewater infiltration galleries. I found that communities with prior exposure to wastewater had an enhanced capacity to degrade select pharmaceuticals, while the overall community structure remained stable.

 

- I constructed and operated field-scale wastewater treatment reactors to quantify pollutant removal by poplar trees and associated soil microorganisms. I found that nitrogen removal was enhanced by the presence of rhizosphere microorganisms, which funneled nutrients into the trees, significantly increasing tree biomass production. 

 

- I developed and published a recipe for cost-effective production of synthetic wastewater at high volumes, allowing operation of a 400L/day wastewater treatment test system.

 

- I conducted sampling in remote areas of the San Juan Islands to track water quality and boater behavior in collaboration with Washington SeaGrant

 

- I tested the impact of an emerging process chemical on onsite paper mill wastewater treatment capacity in collaboration with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI).

 

Through the above work, I have come to understand how microorganisms work together to carry out complex functions in a wide variety of settings.

 

I believe in the importance of a strong STEM education, available equally to all, as a key to creating a sustainable future for our world. I have engaged in science education at multiple levels. I mentored small groups of 2-4 undergraduate students assisting on my project or working on their own personal projects. I designed short lessons to accompany laboratory experiences, providing in-depth education on the concepts and techniques used. I have also taught molecular biology laboratory skills to a mixed audience of young people and adults at a community science lab, and lessons on stormwater pollution to sixth grade students in Highline School District at the 2025 StormFest outdoor education experience.

 

I am excited to bring my knowledge of microbiology and environmental science to solve real-world problems. I want to utilize the power of microbiology to help you!