Headshot of Samantha Hoff, she is standing in front of yellow flowers, she has long brown hair and is smiling
Alma mater(s)
  • Ph.D., University at Albany, 2023
  • M.S., University at Albany, 2014
  • B.A., Siena College, 2010

Area(s) of expertise

  • Disease Ecology
  • Bat Biology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Wildlife Management

BIO

Sam's research lies at the intersection of disease ecology and conservation biology and seeks to answer basic and applied questions surrounding host-pathogen dynamics in emerging infectious diseases. Much of her research has focused on bat populations affected by white-nose syndrome, a devastating invasive fungal disease that has decimated many bat populations since its arrival to North America. Her research involves various methods of field sampling, including bioacoustic, mist-netting, and hibernacula surveys to collect individual and population level empirical data. 

Sam completed her Phd at the University of Albany in New York where she studied the ecology and behavior of coastal populations of the federally endangered northern long-eared bat.  Prior to coming to UVM, she spent two years exploring the mechanisms that drive host persistence following disease-induced declines as a Postdoctoral Associate at VirginiaTech. She collaborates extensively with state, federal, and non-governmental partners to address current conservation issues, and her current research seeks to generate the data needed to inform adaptive management options for endangered bat species.

Courses

  • Principles of Wildlife Management
  • Wildlife Disease Ecology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Wildlife Methods

Bio

Sam's research lies at the intersection of disease ecology and conservation biology and seeks to answer basic and applied questions surrounding host-pathogen dynamics in emerging infectious diseases. Much of her research has focused on bat populations affected by white-nose syndrome, a devastating invasive fungal disease that has decimated many bat populations since its arrival to North America. Her research involves various methods of field sampling, including bioacoustic, mist-netting, and hibernacula surveys to collect individual and population level empirical data. 

Sam completed her Phd at the University of Albany in New York where she studied the ecology and behavior of coastal populations of the federally endangered northern long-eared bat.  Prior to coming to UVM, she spent two years exploring the mechanisms that drive host persistence following disease-induced declines as a Postdoctoral Associate at VirginiaTech. She collaborates extensively with state, federal, and non-governmental partners to address current conservation issues, and her current research seeks to generate the data needed to inform adaptive management options for endangered bat species.

Courses

  • Principles of Wildlife Management
  • Wildlife Disease Ecology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Wildlife Methods