Meet Sarah Stricker
“Data is everything - we use this device to check the soil moisture content, which helps us to conserve water when irrigating turfgrass fields.”
Sarah is a highly accomplished professional with a strong educational background which includes: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Masters of Science,, and a PhD. Sarah currently works as a Communications & Outreach Coordinator, Sessional Lecturer, and Plant Pathologist.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys painting, crafting, playing board games, and tackling puzzles. These hobbies allow her to unwind and tap into her creative side, while still keeping her brain active and engaged. She also enjoys listening to true crime podcasts and audiobooks
When did your love of STEM begin?
My love for STEM began as a kid, when my father encouraged me to plant different types of plants in our garden. It was like my own little experiment, and I loved seeing what grew best. That hands-on experience, watching plants thrive or struggle, sparked my curiosity about how things work in the natural world and set me on the path toward plant science and turfgrass management.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
The best part about working in STEM is the constant sense of discovery and problem-solving. Whether you’re uncovering new knowledge, creating innovative solutions, or improving systems, there's always something new to learn. For me, working with plants in turfgrass science, it's incredibly rewarding to contribute to environmental sustainability, create healthier landscapes, and teach others about the importance of plant health.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
In STEM, experiments don’t always go as planned, and that's okay. Failure is often where the best learning happens, so don’t be discouraged by setbacks. They’re just steps toward success.
Tell us a fun fact about you and your current role!
Plants get sick too! Being a plant pathologist is all about understanding the diseases that affect plants and finding ways to manage or prevent them. Plant pathologists study pathogens like fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, as well as environmental stressors that can weaken plants and make them more vulnerable to disease. At its core, plant pathology is like being a detective for plant health!
What I enjoy the most is teaching and sharing knowledge with others.