Sharon's key research interests lie in understanding the role that rumen microbes play in ruminant food security. Her research is strategically focused on understanding the functionality of rumen microbes—with the aim of addressing food security and human health—coupled with industrial biotechnology related to the rumen microbiome. Sharon also has a general interest in microbiomes and occasionally focuses attention on poultry, pig and even human lung microbiomes.

Sharon coordinates the global & Rumen Microbial Genomics; network, is a senior editor for the journal Microbiome and editor-in-chief for its sister journal & Animal Microbiome