Siena Smania

Siena Smania is an environmental microbiologist and geoscientist focused on using microbes to address real-world environmental challenges. They are currently completing their M.S. in Geological Sciences at Arizona State University, where their research sits at the intersection of microbiology, geochemistry, and environmental sustainability.

Their work centers on microbial ecology in natural systems, with hands-on experience culturing environmental microbial communities, designing custom growth media informed by geochemical conditions, and analyzing microbial populations across environmental gradients. Their current master’s research explores microbial growth in chemically constrained environments, including experiments aimed at understanding microbial interactions with plastics and other anthropogenic materials.

Siena brings a strong applied skill set to both laboratory and consulting environments. They have experience with microbial culturing, DNA extraction, microscopy, ion chromatography, and field spectrometry, alongside advanced data analysis using Python and R. They are particularly interested in agricultural and algae-based systems, where microbial and biochemical processes can be leveraged to improve sustainability, nutrient cycling, and environmental resilience.

In addition to their laboratory background, Siena has extensive field and interdisciplinary experience, including leading carbon and nitrogen cycling experiments in the Namib Desert and contributing to geochemical energy modeling of Yellowstone hot springs. These projects have shaped their interest in environmental consulting and contracting roles that translate science into actionable solutions for land management, water resources, and sustainable development.