Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz Associate Division Dean for Natural Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics; Tenured Professor; Chair, Biology; Cullen Trust/ Harry K. Smith Chair in Biology
Biology
713/831-7866

View CV

Dr. Maia Larios-Sanz’s areas of research include prokaryotic genome evolution, particularly in light of horizontal gene transfer, which is the transmission of genetic information across species and not by heredity, experimental evolution, molecular biology and bioinformatics. She can speak on biology, bioinformatics, genomics, microbial genomics, the genome and personalized medicine and evolution.

Areas of Expertise
Biology, Genomics, Evolution, Bioinformatics

Degrees

  • Doctor of Philosophy - Biochemistry - University of Houston (2003)
  • Master of Science - Biology - University of Houston (1997)

Research

  • The Operon Database
  • The STQ tool
  • Understanding horizontal gene transfer using experimental evolution in bacteria
  • Metagenomic analysis of viral populations in mosquitos
  • Microbial community studies in petroleum systems
  • Temperature effects on the genome

Presentations

  • "Not Just in My Neighborhood: Service-Learning in Higher Education on a Local and Global Scale. " (2013)
    Fifth International Symposium on Service-Learning
    Co-presenters: Faletta, J.P., Garcia-Contreras, R., Gonzalez, A.L., Heard, T. L., Krustchinsky, R., Larios-Sanz, M., LeBlanc, R.M., Rosell, R.C., and Soffer, R.
  • "Bringing research into laboratory courses" (2013)
    EDULEARN13, 5th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
    Co-presenters: Ribes-Zamora A., Lauver A., Simmons-Nout A., Larios-Sanz M. and Rosell, R. C
  • "Genome Evolution" (2012)
    UH Alumni Lecture Series
  • "DNA as a Shared Resource - Experimental studies on horizontal gene transfer" (2012)
    Shreiner University Harry Crate Lecture Series
  • "Teaching to Promote Active Learning" (2011)
    National IRACDA Conference

Honors and Awards

  • Fellowship - Nat. Library of Medi (2005)
  • Honor - Space Medicine Young (2002)
  • Teaching - Assist. Year Biol.UH (1997)
  • Teaching - Teach Excellence UH (1996)

Language Skills

  • Spanish

FEATURE-COLUMNS-FacultyExcellence
Faculty Excellence

Excellence in teaching is at the heart of our mission at the University of St. Thomas.

Each year, the University of St. Thomas honors outstanding faculty who exemplify extraordinary dedication and excellence in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service with the Saint Thomas Aquinas Excellence in Teaching Award, the Saint Edith Stein Excellence in Research Award, the Joseph M. McFadden Excellence in Service Award, and the Teach Online Awards to Spur Transformation (TOAST).

We proudly recognize and celebrate our faculty’s achievements!

learn more about the Faculty Excellence