Verónica Contreras-Shannon, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biological Sciences at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. She specializes in biomedical research focusing on metabolic side effects of atypical antipsychotics and cytoskeletal dynamics in disease states, particularly atherosclerosis and muscle regeneration. Her teaching portfolio includes General Biology for Majors, Toxicology, and Cell and Molecular Methods Lab, where she employs evidence-based practices like course-based research experiences to enhance student engagement. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry from UTHSCA (2003), B.A. in Biology from UC Santa Cruz (1995) Research Programs: Director of NIH-funded U-RISE and MARC programs for undergraduate research training Awards: Distinguished Faculty Award (2019), NIH SCORE Pilot Project Award (2018), Undergraduate Research Mentor Award (2012), Senior Faculty Research Mentoring Award (2023) Her research involves undergraduate students in studying: Mechanisms of metabolic side effects from antipsychotics Cytoskeletal roles in disease phenomena Beta-tubulin isotype involvement in foam cell formation and atherosclerosis Publications span molecular neurobiology, immunology, and biochemistry, with a focus on inflammation, muscle regeneration, and cancer biology. Contreras-Shannon is actively engaged in mentoring and serves on the American Society for Investigative Pathology Leadership Council.









