Sara Rathburn studies rivers and how they shape the landscape, especially after disturbances like fires, floods and mass movements, and how vegetation influences river processes. Her current research focuses on the effects of streamside vegetation on the flow of water and transport of sediment, and using beaver mimicry to restore channels and riverine habitat.

She is affiliated with several professional societies include the Geological Society of American, American Geophysical Union, and Association of Women Geoscientists.

Rathburn was awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to Iceland in 2020. She received a Geological Society of American Fellowship in 2019 and the Gladys W. Cole Memorial Research award from the society in 2016. Among other recognitions, she and her coauthors were awarded the Warner College of Natural Resources Outstanding Publication Award in 2018.

Rathburn received her B.S. in earth resources from CSU. She earned her M.S. in geosciences from the University of Arizona and her Ph.D. in earth resources from CSU.