From Astrophysics to Law Librarianship

by DENISE WOLFE

Sara Denbo's journey to becoming UB Law's student services librarian took an unexpected detour through Toledo, Ohio, where she built what she calls a "small pet sitting empire."

After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School during the pandemic in 2020, Denbo found herself burnt out from remote learning. Instead of diving into legal practice, she spent a year caring for pets in Toledo—a decision that ultimately led her to discover law librarianship.

"It was during this time that I discovered law librarianship as a career path," Denbo said. "I quickly realized it was a natural fit for my interests and workstyle."

That realization prompted her to enroll in the University of Washington's one-year Master of Library and Information Science program specializing in law librarianship. An internship at UW's Gallagher Law Library confirmed her career change, and she hasn't looked back since. 

Denbo, who started at the Charles B. Sears Law Library in September, brings an interdisciplinary background to her role. As an undergraduate at Michigan State University, she majored in astrophysics and women's and gender studies with minors in mathematics and science policy. She even published two astronomy papers through National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs.

Now, she channels that diverse experience into supporting law students through their academic journey. As student services librarian, Denbo develops programs, services and events to enrich the student experience. She teaches in the required first-year Research Lab course, supports the faculty liaison program and provides legal reference services.

"Running the gauntlet of law school is a substantial undertaking for anyone, and my experience as a pandemic law student underscored that for me in a major way," Denbo said. "I hope to be one of the least intimidating professors in their law school journey."

Denbo is particularly excited about preparing students for the NextGen Bar Exam, which New York will implement in July 2028. The updated exam will explicitly test foundational lawyering skills, including legal research. 

The tenure-track position also allows Denbo to pursue scholarship in evidence-based skills instruction and law student wellbeing and belonging. She's also a proponent of body doubling—working alongside others to improve focus and reduce the isolation of solitary tasks—and welcomes colleagues interested in practicing the productivity technique.

Outside work, the Lindenhurst, Illinois, native enjoys crafting, thrift shopping and watching Formula 1 racing. She lives with her partner, a 19-year-old cat named Roe, a 14-year-old dog named Georgia and an aquarium commanded by betta fish Queen Carrie Fisher.