She received a PhD in zoology from Cornell University in 2006, and a BS in zoology from Auburn University in 2000. Prior to joining Hofstra, Dr. Santangelo was a full-time lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University, where she was also nominated as Outstanding Professor in 2012. Her national and international research activities include studies in environmental microbiology, infectious disease ecology, and ocean and marine diseases. Courses taught include Human Biology; Animal Form and Function; and Evolution, Psychology and Behavior.