Born in Sioux Falls SD, I have since lived in Niwot CO, New London MN, Sioux Center IA, and North Liberty, IA. I received my BA in biology from Dordt University (Then Dordt College) and received my MS in biology, MAT and PhD in science education from the University of Iowa. While finishing my PhD, I taught Environmental Science and Biology at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids. I have also helped to develop and lead an international summer science camp for middle and high school students from Taiwan. I joined the biology department at Dordt in 2009, and now live in Sioux Center with my wife and two children. In my spare time, I love to read and to fix things - everything from lawn mowers to computers to cars to native Iowa prairie.
Since joining the biology department at Dordt, I have spent time conducting research regarding:
- Population genetics of native prairies
- Perennial crop development
- Probiotics
I also have a strong interest in science education and have developed and led a number of professional development workshops. I have been heavily involved in the creation of the Community Development program at Dordt as well as a public Health track in biology.
I teach the following courses at Dordt:
- Bio 125 Cell and Molecular Biology I
- Bio 180 Biology Seminar
- Bio 215 Botany
- Bio 316 Flora of North America
- Bio 319 Plant Physiology
- Bio 302 Microbiology
- Bio 310 Advanced Microbiology
- Bio 358 Introduction to Biological Research
- Bio 380 Directed Senior Research
- Envr 151 Introduction to Environmental Science
- Educ 351 Secondary Science Methods