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Briana Hauff Salas, PhD

Associate Professor of Environmental Science
Metz Hall, Room 409C
210-528-7059
bhsalas@ollusa.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Areas of Expertise

My research interests center on the impacts human activity is having on marine ecosystems, namely tropical coral reefs. Focusing on coral symbionts (aka zooxanthellae), I am interested in understanding what immune-based, genetic variation exists in the stress response of these organisms to anthropogenic related stressors (i.e. global warming, disease, pollution). This information is critical in understanding how coral reefs will change/survive in the face of anthropogenic climate change.

Specific areas of expertise include: marine biology, environmental toxicology, climate change, coral reef ecology, coastal ecology, marine invertebrate biology, invertebrate zoology, gene expression, protein expression, cell death, genetics, and coral disease.

Teaching Philosophy

As an instructor, I strive to engage students in an active learning environment to foster intellectual and personal growth, while simultaneously building a solid academic foundation that assists students in all future undertakings. I view my role as a facilitator who provides individuals with a set of tools (i.e. knowledge, critical thinking skills, confidence) that may be used to build on and for further development. This approach combines both academic and personal development to better the individual. My primary goals as an instructor at the undergraduate level are (1) to enhance student interest in the sciences through knowledge building, (2) to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and (3) to connect with the contemporary student through a variety of teaching techniques/technologies. I am passionate about teaching biology and environmental science because it allows me to interact with students daily and aid in developing them as an environmentally responsible member of society, as well as a future professional.

Outside Interests

Spending time with my husband, two children (Hunter - aged 5, Wyatt - aged 3), and two dogs (Raya and Jaeger, both rescues) take up most of my time outside work. Otherwise, I enjoy reading all kinds of books, cooking, baking, gardening (or trying to), traveling, a wide variety of exercise, and being out in nature.