Angela Poole

Angela Poole is an Associate Professor of Biology at Berry College. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Berry College and a Ph.D. in Zoology from Oregon State University. Her academic focus is on molecular mechanisms regulating cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis and the evolution of innate immune pathways in invertebrates. She teaches courses in Human Anatomy & Physiology and Bioinformatics.

Her research explores how symbiotic relationships between cnidarians and dinoflagellates are maintained, particularly under environmental stressors like thermal fluctuations and light changes. She investigates proteins such as GTPases of immunity-associated proteins (GIMAP) and thrombospondin-type-1 repeat proteins, which play critical roles in symbiotic interactions and immune responses. Recent work includes studying sphingosine kinase inhibition’s impact on symbiosis and the role of TGFβ pathways in symbiont colonization.

Her publications span topics from coral biology at multiple scales to the evolutionary implications of symbiosis in cnidarians. While no formal awards are listed, her contributions to understanding symbiotic mechanisms and coral health are notable. She actively engages in educational initiatives like the SEAS CURE program, fostering student exploration of coral biology.