Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Randy Christensen
Professor of Biology
B.S., Brigham Young University
Ph.D., The Ohio State University
Dr. Christensen’s research interests lie in the areas of molecular genetics and developmental biology. Dr. Christensen’s lab uses gene expression analysis to analyze molecules involved in wound healing and regeneration in salamanders, specifically in the molecules involved in cell-cell communication following injury. For example, excitatory neurotransmitter molecules can be released at toxic levels after injury, affecting nearby nervous system cells in a process known as excitotoxicity. Knowing more about the molecular changes that occur in nervous system cells after injury may someday enhance human recovery from spinal cord or traumatic brain injury.
Cassy Cozine
Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., University of Southern Mississippi
Ph.D., University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Dr. Cassy Cozine’s research focuses on the inflammatory and innate immune responses in the model organism C. elegans. Students who work with Dr. Cozine examine the effects of complementary and alternative medicinal products on inflammation and the immune system responses of this model organism. Compounds of interest have included curcumin, an active component of turmeric, and Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb.
Jesse Ellis
Associate Professor of Biology
Director, Wilderness Field Station
B.A., Lewis & Clark College
Ph.D., Cornell University
Specializes in ecology and behavior of vertebrates and response of birds to different song patterns.
Daniel Hughes
Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S., Humbolt State University
M.S., Shippensburg University Ph.D., University of Texas at El Paso
Specializes in ecology and evolution of reptiles and amphibians. His research interest range from population ecology to comparative phylogeography.
Check out his website to learn more about his current research projects:
Michael Leonardo
Professor of Biology
Molecular Biology Administrative Coordinator
B.A., Knox College
M.A., Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Specializes in microbial physiology, ecology and genetics, with a focus on the physiology of dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (DMRB) using molecular and classic microbiological techniques. Biomineral formation during metal reduction, identification of DMRB from different of habitats and the production of Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) and biofilms are some of the topics he studies. He is currently studying the genetics of biofilm production by Shewanella and Vibrio species.
Cynthia Leveille
Biology Lab Manager
B.S., Clarke College
Jon Mitchell
Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S., Appalachian State University
Ph.D., The University of Chicago
Paula Sanchini
Environmental Science Administrative Coordinator
B.A., Hartwick College
Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder
Specializes in landscape ecology, environmental science and applications of GIS/GPS.
Paul Storer, Chair
Associate Professor of Biology
Pre-Health Adviser
B.S., Allegheny College
M.S., Duquesne University
Ph.D., Loyola University, Chicago
Dr. Storer's research focuses on how the immune, endocrine and nervous systems interact and communicate in relation to brain injury and neuroimmunological disorders. Specifically, he is looking at the role of both estrogens and antihistamines as regulators of glial activity.
Karla Keyes
Instructor in Biology
Coordinator of the Health Sciences Externship
B.A., Coe College
M.S., Washington University School of Medicine
Harlo Hadow
Professor of Biology, Emeritus
B.A., Milton College
M.A., Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder
Kurt Redborg
Professor of Biology, Emeritus
B.S., M.S., Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Floyd Sandford
Professor of Biology, Emeritus
B.S., St. Lawrence University
M.S., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma