Vânia R. Coelho

Dr. Vânia R. Coelho is a tenured full professor at Dominican University of California, affiliated with the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics within the School of Health and Natural Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Zoology, M.S. in Ecology, and B.S. in Biology from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research at Columbia University and visiting scientist roles at the Smithsonian Institution. Currently, she focuses on teaching courses like Ecology and Evolution, Environmental Sciences, and Marine Biology, while leading research on coral reef ecology and climate change mitigation strategies. Her work has been supported by grants from NOAA and the National Park Service. Beyond academia, she publishes nature photography books to promote environmental awareness, available via Apple Books and Fine Art America.

Prof. Coelho has received the Excellence in Education Service Award from the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and spearheaded Dominican University’s campus-wide sustainability initiative, achieving a Bronze rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Her research and educational efforts aim to bridge scientific discovery with public engagement and conservation practices.