Genetics · Genomics · Discovery
Ph.D. Student in Genetics & Genomics
Texas A&M University
Exploring biological systems through molecular research, computation, and conservation.
I’m a Ph.D. student in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics at Texas A&M University.
My research experience spans genetic engineering for malaria vector control, protein structure and signaling, bio-inspired robotics, and conservation data analysis. Across these projects, I bring together experimental biology and computational methods.
I earned my B.S. in Biology from Bethune-Cookman University, with minors in Computer Science and Biochemistry. Alongside research, I develop genetics learning materials and mentor students in biology and chemistry.
Ph.D. student · Genetics and Genomics
Started August 2026 · College Station, TXB.S. Biology · GPA 4.0
Minors in Computer Science and Biochemistry02 / RESEARCH
Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory
Research Lab Scientist
Genetic engineering research on Anopheles crucians toward a transgenic mosquito line for malaria vector control. My work combined sequence analysis, vector design, and gene transformation with evaluation of gene expression and inheritance.
B-CU R.I.S.E.
Research Lab Scientist
Created and validated mutants of the alr3166 gene and investigated Anabaena sensory rhodopsin and its transducer through protein modeling and molecular docking, using NovaFold, PyMOL, and I-TASSER.
B-CU R.I.S.E.
Swarm Robotics Summer Intern
Developed a real-time task-assignment algorithm for autonomous ground-vehicle swarms in disaster response. Python simulations modeled attraction, repulsion, and alignment to support grouping, coverage, and obstacle avoidance.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Internship Program
Data Analyst
Cleaned, consolidated, and mapped approximately 30 years of telemetry data in ArcGIS Pro, including data for Audubon’s crested caracara, to support assessment of habitat use and conservation needs.
Brevard Zoo
Summer Intern
Supported care of threatened species and analyzed 20 years of beach mouse lifespan and mortality data. Used pedigree analysis and basic genetics to inform molecular studies supporting Perdido Key beach mouse conservation.
Seagrass Restoration Project
Data Analyst and Lab Scientist
Investigated stratification effects on seed viability and germination using Kruskal–Wallis and one-way ANOVA tests in R. Co-authored a review of mosquito-control impoundments and their role in seagrass restoration.
Africa University Malaria Research Laboratory
Research experience
Performed PCR and circumsporozoite protein ELISA, analyzed rapid diagnostic test data, and supported malaria research with technical reporting, laboratory troubleshooting, and project documentation.
Peer-reviewed articles and published abstracts.
Cho, H. J., Linder, J., Coffey-Picco, B., Pangira, P., & San Antonio, K. M.
42(4), 267–270 · DOI: 10.3368/er.42.4.267
Trivedi, V. D., Oscar-Okpala, T., Pangira, P., & Vernier, B. T.
9(1), 000247 · DOI: 10.23880/ijbp-16000247
Pangira, P., Burini, B., Bae, J., et al. · Abstract 4487
Trivedi, V., Okpala, T., Pangira, P., & Vernier, B. · Abstract 1681
300(3), 106953
Pangira, P., Oscar-Okpala, T., & Trivedi, V. D.
86(Suppl. 1) · Conference abstract BIO-P02
Pangira, P., & Ayala, E.
86(Suppl. 1) · Conference abstract GEO-03
B-CU RISE Summer Research, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Symposium · Research presentation
Florida Undergraduate Research Conference · Poster presentation
Bethune-Cookman University RISE Research Symposium · Research presentation
Developed genetics and pathway-learning modules for CMU’s Torus platform, aligning learning objectives, component skills, and assessments. This work included a 20-question assessment bank and approximately 30 learning objectives covering gene interaction, epistasis, gene regulation, and developmental and cancer pathways.
My Pathway Algebra instructional-design project simplifies complex biological pathways into standardized instructional representations.
Provided individual and group tutoring in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Created study guides, practice problems, and exam-preparation materials to help students build conceptual understanding.
My work also extends to environmental advocacy, student leadership, and community outreach.
Molecular biology · PCR, DNA fingerprinting, ELISA, site-directed mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, assay troubleshooting, aseptic technique
Computation & data · Python, R, ArcGIS Pro, statistical analysis, data visualization, sequence analysis
Structural biology · PyMOL, I-TASSER, molecular docking, protein modeling, experimental design, scientific writing
06 / CONTACT
Research, learning, and conversations across disciplines.
ppangira@gmail.com