About

Bioinformatician
Funga PBC

I’m a generalist by curiosity and a specialist by training, working at the intersection of environmental science, biology, and data.

My background spans metagenomics, soil biogeochemistry, and large-scale environmental data analysis, with a focus on using machine learning and cloud-native tools to better understand ecosystems and support climate and restoration efforts. I help startups and research-driven organizations translate complex science into scalable, reproducible systems, turning data and models into tools that support real-world decision-making in biotechnology, soil health, microbial ecology, and environmental science.

Education & Training

PhD in Environmental Science
University of Arizona
Minor in Natural Resource Management

B.S. in Biology
Northern Arizona University
Minor in Chemistry

My Approach

I believe the best science happens at interfaces, where disciplines collide and new questions emerge. My work combines:

• Deep domain expertise in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry
• Technical fluency across bioinformatics, data science, and cloud infrastructure
• Strategic thinking about how to translate research into impact, using tech-based tooling
• Collaborative mindset that bridges academic rigor and business pragmatism

Current Position

Bioinformatician & Data Scientist
Funga PBC | 2024 – Present

Leading biodiversity modeling and data infrastructure for forest restoration projects. Designing AI-driven systems linking soil microbiome composition to forest growth and carbon outcomes.

Professional Experience Highlights

• First data science hire at Funga PBC - Built cloud-native genomics pipelines and ML models linking biodiversity to forest productivity
• NSF Earth Science Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Lead investigator integrating microbial trait data across network observatories
• DOE CSP grant lead at the University of Arizona - Led trait-based microbial ecology research in the Jemez River Basin
• AGU session convener and chair - Organized 13 oral and 8 poster sessions on microbial dynamics and carbon dioxide removal

Beyond the Lab

When I’m not wrangling genomes or building pipelines, you’ll find me thinking about how to make science more accessible, reproducible, and impactful. I’m passionate about mentoring early-career scientists and building tools that help others do better science.

Outside of work, I’m a curious wanderer and lifelong adventurer. Born and raised in Alaska, I grew up close to wild landscapes that shaped my appreciation for nature, exploration, and complex systems thinking, perspectives that continue to influence how I approach science today.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re looking for strategic guidance on environmental genomics, data science infrastructure, or climate-focused research, I’m always open to thoughtful collaborations and consulting engagements.

📄 CV: Download PDF
📧 Email: dawson.fairbanks[at]gmail.com
💻 GitHub: github.com/dawsonfairbanks
📚 Google Scholar: View Publications
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawsonfairbanks