Faculty and staff

Diana Elrod, PhD

Division Head, Environmental Science;
Senior Lecturer, School of the Sciences;
Director, Center for Student Research;
Coordinator, STEM Collaborations and Initiatives
PhD in Biology, University of North Texas; MS in Biology, University of Memphis; BS in Biology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Office: CFO 1203
Phone: 940-898-2355
Email: delrod@twu.edu

Primary teaching areas: courses in environmental science, general life science, and anatomy and physiology
Research interests: environmental science and sustainability, undergraduate research and student success, community-based learning and outreach

Kelly Albus, PhD

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
PhD in Environmental Science, University of North Texas; M.S. in Biology, Tarleton State University; B.A in Natural History and Humanities, Texas Tech University
Email: kalbus@twu.edu

Primary teaching areas: courses in environmental science, general life science, and anatomy and physiology
Research interests: water resources, stormwater management, watershed science, green infrastructure, riparian ecology, citizen science, and community-engaged, place-based environmental education, social science and scientific communication/storytelling, GIS and survey data collection and analysis. Her work focuses on linking environmental monitoring and applied research with meaningful student learning, emphasis on water quality, field-based methods, and collaborative approaches to addressing environmental challenges.

Behnaz Balmaki, PhD

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech;
Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno;
PhD, Geological Sciences & Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno
Office: ASSC 327
Email: bbalmaki@twu.edu

Research interests: pollination ecology, pollen analysis, ecological networks, biodiversity conservation, food security, climate variation, spatial analysis, GIS and remote sensing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, honey quality, allergy and health, community ecology, sustainability, environmental management.