Dr. Sarah Isbell is the data project manager with the Conservation Innovation Center at Chesapeake Conservancy. Dr. Isbell brings over a decade of experience in environmental sustainability and regenerative agriculture research in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

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Before joining Chesapeake Conservancy, Dr. Isbell earned a Ph.D. in ecology from Penn State University where her research investigated the impacts of agricultural conservation practices such as cover cropping and reducing tillage on nitrogen cycling and soil microbial communities. Dr. Isbell went on to be the research director at the non-profit Pasa Sustainable Agriculture where she directed farmer-centered studies on soil health and farm financial outcomes, working with farmer and nonprofit partners to support and advance resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Dr. Isbell is passionate about connecting science, community needs and collaborative action to advance meaningful change in the watershed.

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Dr. Isbell lives in Annapolis where she enjoys sailing, kayaking, gardening with native plants and throwing sticks for her dog, Butter.