Education

Ph.D., 2016, Biochemistry. University of Oklahoma
B.S., 2012, Biology, Oklahoma Baptist University
B.S., 2008, Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte – Brazil

Biography

Dr. França has been a member of the Southern Nazarene University (SNU) community since 2017. Hailing from Natal, Brazil, he brings a global perspective to his role as an educator and researcher. Married to Whitney França, they are a loving family of four, including their two cherished daughters, Laura and Natalie França.

In the classroom, Dr. França is dedicated to shaping the academic journey of SNU students. His teaching portfolio encompasses a diverse range of courses, including Cells and Systems, Genetics, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Molecular Biology. With a dynamic teaching style, he fosters a deep understanding of complex scientific concepts, inspiring curiosity and critical thinking among his students.

At the forefront of research, Dr. França leads the França Lab, where innovative inquiries into mosquito-borne diseases thrive. His research interests encompass multifaceted explorations, such as mosquito ecology as well as virus genomics, with a specific focus on West Nile Virus (WNV) and St. Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV). Dr. França’s work incorporates advanced techniques, including the integration of satellite imagery for precise mosquito habitat analyses, revealing intricate connections between environmental factors and mosquito distribution both in Central Oklahoma and Costa Rica.

Beyond academia, Dr. França is deeply engaged in service initiatives. He serves as the Assistant Director of the Quetzal Education and Research Center (QERC) in Costa Rica, fostering international educational collaborations. His mentorship extends to the Omicron Phi chapter of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society, as well as the SNU International Student Society. Dr. França’s commitment to student success is further exemplified through his role as a faculty research mentor for the SNU’s Summer Research Experience and McNair Scholars programs.

Dr. França’s professional organizations affiliations include the American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the American Committee on Arthropod-Borne and Zoonotic Viruses, the American Society for Microbiology, the American Geophysical Union, and the Oklahoma Academy of Science. His extensive network enables him to contribute significantly to the advancement of science and education.

Outside of his academic pursuits, Dr. França finds joy in spending quality time with his beloved wife and daughters. He enjoys strumming his acoustic guitar and playing soccer.