Posted on May 9, 2025 by College of Sciences
#FacultySpotlight
Ann-Geneve Asis, M.S., Department of Biology, Health, and the Environment
What did your journey to UTSA look like and are you fixed-term track or tenure track?
I am a Lecturer, fixed-term track faculty member.
I was born and raised in the Philippines, but we migrated in the U.S. back in 2018. I started teaching at Texas A&M International University in 2020 before coming to UTSA in August 2024. I can say that becoming a Lecturer here in UTSA has been a dream come true for me, because whenever we drive here to San Antonio and pass by the campus, I always say to myself that someday, I'd be teaching at this university. And here I am.
What do you enjoy most about your area of study?
Originally, I did my master's thesis on the Biodiversity of Freshwater Snails in the major aquaculture lakes of the Philippines. On the side, I have investigated the snails' association to digenetic trematodes as vectors or intermediate hosts. I enjoyed it a lot because it meant going to a lot of places in the country and seeing the lakes.
Right now, I mostly teach Anatomy and Physiology. I enjoy it so much because it makes me learn more about the human body. I have been teaching it for almost eight years already in different universities, and I still find something new to learn. I guess in a sense, I am a lifelong learner.
What are some of the most notable research projects that you've been involved in?
So far, the projects I've been involved in happened before I came to UTSA. I did research with my students back in the Philippines on the freshwater snails of the seven caldera lakes in San Pablo, Laguna, Philippines. Then, in TAMIU, I had a chance to work on a Colon Cancer review paper.
What is your proudest moment with the COS?
The proudest moment I had with COS was when we had the new faculty orientation. I'm new so I haven't experienced much in the college. But, during the orientation, I had a glimpse of the vision of the college and how welcoming everyone was. I never felt welcomed in any other institutions as much as in UTSA and the College of Sciences. To be honest, just by being here, working in a Tier 1 research institution, makes me proud as part of the college.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Just being able to teach, which I love doing, and being with the students, talking to them, and knowing that somehow, I can make a difference in the way they look at Anatomy and Physiology, that it is not as daunting as it may seem, motivates me to bring my A-game. I also enjoy being with like-minded colleagues who aspire the same goals as I do, and how we work together to inspire our students to not just study for the sake of finishing a degree but to study to become lifelong learners and to strive for excellence in what they do for the betterment of the community.
How would you spend your ideal Saturday?
My ideal Saturday is having coffee and breakfast at maybe Early Bird Coffee, or any coffee shop, while reading a book. Then spending a day with my family, walking in the park, playing, then heading to Nordstrom to smell perfumes. Then ending it with a nice dinner, tea, and a good book.
What are your book recommendations?
Academically, I love any book by Siddharta Mukherjee like Song of the Cell and the Emperor of All Maladies. Then, for recreational reading I am into fantasies. I am a huge Potterhead (read the books more than twice, watched the movies, and always a fan of butterbeer), so the Harry Potter series is always at the top of my recommendations. Then A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, then Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, and lastly, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.
— College of Sciences
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