Dawn Sumner is a professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences who is also a member of the Microbiology Graduate Group. Her research focuses on reconstructing ancient environments on early Earth and the early evolution of bacteria, including the origin of oxygenic photosynthesis. Her group studies everything from the environmental settings, geochemistry and morphology of microbial fossils that are billions of years old, to the morphology, climate response, and genomics of modern microbial communities growing in ice-covered Antarctic lakes, to the stratigraphy and geochemistry of sedimentary rocks on Mars. Research directions emerge with contributions from all group members who work collaboratively as they shape their own research directions. 

Dawn has a strong track record of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the sciences, including through working with the Feminist Research Institute. She also provides anti-racism leadership in her department and is a member of the Strength Through Equity and Diversity (STEAD) committee, which provides workshops for faculty search committees to help them implement equitable hiring practices. In her teaching and mentoring, Dawn incorporates intersectional feminist practices that support learning for all her students, fostering their understanding of science as well as growth as individuals. Dawn regularly shares her research and adventures with the public.