Rate My Professor Sarah Milton

Dr. Milton’s research in Biology centers on environmental physiology and the adaptive mechanisms animals employ to survive environmental stressors. Key areas include animal models of anoxia and hypoxia tolerance, neuroprotective pathways during brain anoxia, the role of reactive oxygen species in aging, and sea turtle physiology relevant to conservation. Using model organisms like the anoxia-tolerant freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta and fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, her studies explore physiological, cellular, and molecular responses with potential therapeutic applications for stroke, ischemia, oxidative stress, and age-related diseases. In sea turtle research, she investigates hatchling energetics, nest success under temperature extremes, erosion, and flooding impacts, as well as treatments for red tide toxicity. With nearly 50 peer-reviewed publications, notable works include “Physiological and genetic responses to environmental stress” (2003), “No oxygen? No problem! Intrinsic brain tolerance to hypoxia in vertebrates” (2014), “Negotiating brain anoxia survival in the turtle” (2004), and recent papers on sea turtle immune function and embryonic mortality. She has also served as President (2016-2018) and Vice President (2018-2021) of the Southeast Regional Sea Turtle Network.