Caio França

Dr. Caio França is a faculty member at Southern Nazarene University (SNU) in the Division of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, affiliated with the Biology Department. He serves as the QERC Director and teaches courses such as Cells and Systems, Genetics, Biochemistry, and Immunology.

• Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma (2016)
• B.S., Biology, Oklahoma Baptist University (2012)
• B.S., Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte – Brazil (2008)

Dr. França leads the França Lab, focusing on mosquito-borne diseases and virus genomics, particularly West Nile Virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV). His work integrates satellite imagery for mosquito habitat analysis in Central Oklahoma and Costa Rica, connecting environmental factors to mosquito distribution. Research spans cellular biology, molecular biology, and ecological modeling.

He mentors students through SNU’s Summer Research Experience and McNair Scholars programs and co-leads the Omicron Phi chapter of Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society. Dr. França is also involved in the SNU International Student Society and affiliated with professional organizations including the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, American Society for Microbiology, and Oklahoma Academy of Science.