Shaunna Phipps

Scholarly Profile: Shaunna Phipps, PhD, is a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on sodium transport mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in Chara algae species. She teaches courses in cell biology, evolutionary biology, and marine biology. Affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences, her work bridges plant physiology and evolutionary adaptation.

• Education: PhD in Evolution, Ecology & Behavior (University at Buffalo), BS in Marine Biology (University of New Haven)
• Courses Taught: BIO598, BIO211, BIO201, BIO200, BIO123
• Key Research Areas: Algal stress responses, ion transport proteins, evolutionary adaptations to salinity

Research Interests:
Dr. Phipps investigates how Chara species maintain cellular homeostasis under saline conditions, focusing on molecular transporters and genetic pathways. Her studies of the SLC4 family proteins and Na+ ATPase highlight evolutionary links between algae and land plants' salt tolerance mechanisms.

Publications:
Recent work includes identifying OH- transporters in Characean algae and characterizing salinity-induced gene expression changes. Her studies contribute to understanding fundamental mechanisms of stress tolerance in early plant lineages.

Teaching & Service:
Maintains active classroom instruction across undergraduate biology programs. Office hours available by appointment.