Bridget O’Connor

Bridget O’Connor is the Clinical Research Program/Project Manager in Dr. Edlow's lab and the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology. She earned her undergraduate degree in microbiology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Following graduation, she worked for four years at a biotechnology startup specializing in human gut microbiome research. Her achievements during her tenure include facilitating the isolation, characterization, and preparation of one of the most expansive collections of human gut bacteria globally, as well as helping to facilitate a nation-wide outreach program to source human pediatric fecal samples from over half of US States. This work aimed to develop consumer and pharmaceutical products from bacterial strains derived from human samples, targeting areas such as mental health, various forms of pain, and infant and maternal health.

In her current role, Bridget collaborates with Dr. Edlow and departmental colleagues to help develop research processes and infrastructure. Outside of the lab, Bridget loves to garden and paint. She also leads a community group dedicated to the improvement and support of local public spaces.