Pearl R. Fernandes

Pearl R. Fernandes is a Full Professor of Biology at the University of South Carolina Sumter, with affiliate roles in Women’s Studies and the School of the Environment at the University of South Carolina Columbia. She earned her BS in Life Sciences from St. Xavier's College, Bombay University; MS in Foods, Nutrition, and Dietetics from Nirmala Niketan College; and PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of South Carolina Columbia. Her postdoctoral research focused on gene-nutrient interactions under Dr. Robert Cousins at the University of Florida.

Her teaching spans Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and interdisciplinary courses on Southeastern Wetlands. She coordinates linked English-Biology courses and mentors undergraduates, including the first Magellan Scholar from USC regional campuses. Dr. Fernandes has received awards such as the Student Government Teacher of the Year (twice), Outstanding Faculty Award, and Sumter YWCA TWIN Award for community engagement.

Her research emphasizes water quality in wetlands, molecular identification of Peromyscus species, and HIV/AIDS pedagogy through an NSF-CCLI grant. She actively serves on the American Society for Cell Biology Minority Affairs Committee, National Center for Science Education, and South Carolina Junior Academy of Sciences.