Yainitza Hernandez-Rodriguez

Dr. Yainitza Hernandez-Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. Her work focuses on fungal biology, scientific writing pedagogy, and STEM education outreach. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology (Fungal Biology) from the University of Georgia and a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico.

Research interests include the effects of essential oils on pathogenic fungi like Aspergillus fumigatus, septin cytoskeleton dynamics in Aspergillus nidulans, and aquatic fungal diversity’s role in mitigating harmful algae blooms (HABs) in Southwest Florida. She actively collaborates with FGCU’s Whitaker Center for STEM Education, leading initiatives such as the Summer Research Opportunity (SRO) program and GEMS activities for K-12 students.

Dr. Hernandez-Rodriguez has received grants including the Holmes Whitaker Center Grant and FGCU’s Research Venture Fund. Awards include recognition from the President’s White House Initiative for Hispanic Education and the Outstanding Teaching Award. She is a member of the Genetics Society of America and Textbook & Academic Authors Association, and serves on the Organizing Committee for International Aspergillus Meetings.

Her teaching emphasizes active learning and scientific writing, with courses such as Genetics (PCB 3063C), Cell Biology (PCB 3023C), and Senior Research Projects in Biotechnology. She has presented research at conferences including the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and Fungal Genetics Conferences.