Sharon L. Doty is an American scientist and professor known for her work in plant microbiology, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem restoration. She is a faculty member at the University of Washington, where she serves in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.Dr. Doty earned her Bachelor’s degree in Genetics from the University of California, Davis and later completed her Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Washington.Her research focuses on plant–microbe interactions, particularly beneficial bacteria and fungi that live inside plants (endophytes). She has pioneered work showing how these microorganisms can.