I almost went into microbiology before I decided not to continue my education, I was going for my BSN. Researching the history of medicine and science and looking at what my professors had been through I saw so many ethical problems in medicine and science I became depressed and sick. I walked away, I saw no way to change our science and medicine systems, they have too much power and money from transnational corporations and centralized governments.
I think the toxic environment both social and biological are changing our microbiological systems, which also are tied to our psychological well being. Our micro biomes are becoming toxic when they adapt to this new environment full of chemicals and life as we know it will end. I don't know how but I don't think it's going to be AI or a nuclear war that will kill this planet. I think toxic waste will do it over time.
I grew up in rural Oregon, my backyard near mt hood was next to eagle creek wilderness area ;-)
I love Oregon! I was doing cave biology research at Oregon Caves Nat'l. Monument.