Athena Praggastis is an instructor of biology/lab at Colorado Mesa University. She graduated magna cum laude from CU Boulder with a BA in molecular cellular developmental biology. She then completed her master's degree at University of Utah in molecular cellular evolutionary biology. She completed her graduate thesis on the role of ER stress related genes in cellular quiescence. Praggastis has worked in a variety of labs with many different model organisms, but her main focus has been in mammalian cell culture.
Praggastis is a Colorado native who is passionate about teaching and research. She is looking forward to working closely with her students to help them succeed in their chosen fields. In her free time she enjoys cooking, hiking with her dogs and nordic skiing.