Cara Pina

Cara Pina, Ph.D., serves as an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Framingham State University, contributing to undergraduate education and research in microbial systems.

• PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from Brandeis University
• BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UMass Amherst

Her research investigates bacterial adaptation mechanisms under stress, with primary focus on Escherichia coli and Shewanella oneidensis. This work examines molecular pathways enabling bacterial survival in hostile environments, bridging fundamental microbiology with potential applications in infectious disease control and environmental biotechnology.

Dr. Pina teaches foundational and advanced courses including BIOL 109 (Introduction to Biological Science), BIOL 135 (Foundations of Biological Science), BIOL 161 (Cellular and Molecular Biology), BIOL 228 (Microbiology), BIOL 381 (Theories of Infectious Disease), and BIOL 460 (Research Experience in Biology). Her pedagogical commitment is further demonstrated through affiliation with the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship, and Service (CELTSS).

Located in the Hemenway Annex building, she is accessible via telephone (508) 626-4798 and email cpina1@framingham.edu for academic inquiries and research collaboration.