Biology

William Jewell biology majors learn through hands-on investigative experiences, in conjunction with the support and expertise of the biology faculty members. Lab experiences are driven by students’ curiosity, which allows students to own and direct their studies. The curriculum is structured so students begin with a broad overview of the discipline and build upon that over the course of their study. All of the knowledge and discoveries culminate in an independent research project, the Senior Thesis.

William Jewell College will excel at developing citizen scientists by:

• Engaging students in rigorous scientific education,
• Providing research opportunities for all,
• Applying the process of and principles of science for the common good.

Degree programs offered:

• Bachelor of Arts:
  - Biology
  - Biochemistry
  - Bioethics
  - Oxbridge Molecular Biology
  - Science and Technology Management with an emphasis in Biology

Distinctives: 

Biology students are educated to be scientists. Students gain valuable experiences and feedback through working on collaborative research projects with faculty members and other students in every course. In addition, every biology student participates in an investigative, discovery-based undergraduate research project. Example research topics include:

• coronary artery disease
• diseases of protein folding
• colon cancer
• aging
• environmental epidemiology
• symbiosis
• invasive species
• decomposition in tropical forests
• arthropod response to disturbance

The strong curriculum prepares students for success after graduation. Acceptance of graduates to allied-health professional programs and graduate schools is at or near 100%. Graduates of the biology department are prepared for a wide variety of career opportunities including:

• Education
• Research
• Allied Health, including medicine, physical therapy, dentistry and optometry
• Biotechnology
• Conservation
• Forestry and Environmental Management
• Medical Technology
• Industry
• Law

Other unique aspects of the biology department include:

• 13,000 square feet of laboratory space, including a 510-square-foot greenhouse;
• Classrooms are designed for small classes and close interaction between students and faculty;
• working relationships with scientists at Stower’s Institute, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas University, University of Missouri Kansas City, and the Center for Practical Bioethics;
• students can choose to study overseas during their junior year at University of Melbourne or University of Adelaide in Australia, Hong Kong Baptist University in Hong Kong, or Cambridge University in England;
• active student groups such as Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta Biology Honorary), Association for Women in Science (AWIS) and American Medical Student Association (AMSA).

Are you ready to investigate how you can become a scientist? Drop us an email, schedule a visit, or call us toll free (1-888-2-JEWELL).

Biology Faculty:

Paul Klawinski, Ph.D. 
Monte Harmon Associate Professor
Paul is an ecologist with research interests in tropical locales. In Puerto Rico, he studies the role of trophic dynamics in restoring ecosystem function after hurricanes, community responses to hurricane disturbance, and statistical methods for measuring species diversity and richness. He also studies spider biodiversity and taxonomy in the Greater and Lesser Antilles, and trophic dynamics affecting invasional meltdown in Hawaiian ecosystems. Closer to home in Missouri, Paul investigates life history characteristics of bush honeysuckle that affect its invasiveness. Paul’s training in these research areas benefit students in ecology, entomology, conservation biology, animal behavior, and general education environmental science courses.

Tara Allen, Ph.D. 
Dr. Burnell Landers Chair and Associate Professor
With a degree in physiology, Dr. Allen is a vital component in the health-related courses in the biology department. She teaches introductory biology, cell physiology, human physiology, human anatomy, cellular membranes and a course in the Core Curriculum called Mind: The Master Pharmacist. In addition to her role as Co-Chair of the Pre-Med Advisory Program, she is the coordinator for the Oxbridge Molecular Biology major, and Director for the Jewell Academies of Science (a summer science camp for 7th and 8th graders). In 2006 she was named Academic Advisor of the Year. Dr. Allen’s research is relevant in light of the growing incidence of cardiovascular disease—she mentors many undergraduate student researchers and together they study the mechanisms of fatty acid uptake into vascular smooth muscle cells and factors that induce apoptosis (cell death) in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Scott Falke, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. Falke is a biochemist with a penchant for proteins and potent viruses. Scott examines the structure/function relationship of Chaperonin proteins—specifically, he uses cryo-electron microscopy to reconstruct large oligomeric protein complexes in 3D. He is also interested in environmental epidemiology and infectious diseases. He has studied West Nile virus and Hanta virus in his microbiology and general education infectious diseases courses. Dr. Falke also teaches biochemistry and general education bioethics. -- Lab Chaperonin page

Jennifer Moody-Weis, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Dr. Moody-Weis is a plant-ecologist interested in plant-animal interactions, population dynamics, invasive species, and evolutionary ecology focusing on the plants found in native tallgrass prairie and forest ecosystems. She teaches introductory biology, ecology, plant biology, evolution, and “The Ecology of Food”, a class within the Core Curriculum. Dr. Moody-Weis is also interested in mentoring undergraduates in research. Her research has included an investigation of the role of dormant seeds (i.e. the seed bank) in the population dynamics of wild sunflowers (Helianthus annuus), an examination of pollination limitation in the hawkmoth-pollinated Missouri Evening Primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa), and surveys of roadside populations of H. annuus, both on a local and regional scale. She has also worked with the Kansas Biological Survey, mapping prairies in northeast Kansas and assessing riparian vegetation in New Mexico.

Anne Nickel, Instructor of Biology

Wei Wu, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
As a molecular biologist, Dr. Wu’s research is mainly about elucidating the molecular and genetic bases of the regulatory mechanisms that precisely control bacteria cell division. Her studies have been focused on the Min system in the Gram-negative model bacterium E. coli, and the DivIVA-Min system in the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. With backgrounds in microbiology, molecular genetics and biochemistry, Dr. Wu is enthusiastic in teaching Cell & Molecular Biology, Genes, Molecular Genetics and various Oxbridge Molecular Biology tutorials. In addition, Dr. Wu is also actively involved in the international education program in William Jewell College.