Rate My Professor Nora Demers

Nora Demers is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University. She earned her Ph.D. in Zoology with a focus on Comparative Immunology from Oregon State University in 1996, an M.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University in 1993, and a B.S. in Life Sciences from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1990. Demers joined Florida Gulf Coast University as an Assistant Professor of Biology in 1997, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2006, and elevated to Professor in 2026 following recognition at the Faculty Promotions Luncheon for the 2024-25 academic cycle. She served as Biology Program Coordinator from 1997 to 2000 and was previously a Visiting Professor of Biology at The Evergreen State College from 1996 to 1997.

Demers' scholarship centers on endocrine disruption, effects of stressors on biological systems, comparative immunology, gopher tortoise habitat restoration, and ecosystem sustainability in southwest Florida. She directs service-learning initiatives including the Gophers@Barefoot Beach Preserve project since 2010 and the San Carlos Park/Mulloch Creek Restoration Initiative. Notable publications encompass "The immediate effects of stress on innate defenses in rainbow trout" (Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 1997, with C.J. Bayne), "Immediate Increase of plasma protein complement C3 in response to an acute stressor" (Fish and Shellfish Immunology, 2020, with C.J. Bayne), "Structure-Function Lab in a Bag" (Journal of College Science Teaching, 2009), "An Activity to Demonstrate the Genetic Code, Gene Duplication and Divergence" (Journal of College Science Teaching, 2011), and "Learning by listing: Synthesizing Biological Concepts Using Groups of Four" (Journal of College Science Teaching, 2023). Awards include the Aquila Award for Outstanding Student Scholarship Support (2018), Estero Bay Agency on Bay Management Environmental Stewardship Award for Exemplary Service (2011), FGCU Seidler Benefaction Award, and FGCU Scholarship Venture Fund grants. She teaches courses such as PCB 4233C Immunology, ISC 3120C Scientific Process, General Biology I, Senior Research in Biology, and University Colloquium on sustainability. Demers holds memberships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Science Teachers Association, Society for Freshwater Scientists, Gopher Tortoise Council, and Sigma Xi, and has presented at conferences including Gopher Tortoise Council meetings and Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.