2006 SCHOLARS

Miguel Aguilar is an assistant professor of biology at El Paso Community College, where he teaches general microbiology, medical microbiology, anatomy, and physiology. In his teaching, he has used the classroom performance system (CPS) in his classes to enhance student participation. His research interests include MS2 virus inactivation and reactivation experiments and the detection of viruses in the Rio Grande.

Lorrie Brilla is a professor of physical education, health, and recreation at Western Washington University, where she teaches classes in exercise, physiology, and nutrition. She currently is involved in writing a CD/DVD laboratory manual for applied physiology.

Jeff Brown is an assistant professor at Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He teaches general biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and biochemistry in which he uses physical models as well as animations and videos of processes in his lectures.

Larry Cahoon professor of biology and marine biology at the University of North Carolina; Wilmington, specializes in oceanography and limnology. He also teaches classes on forensic environmental science. Additionally, he is a certified senior ecologist with the Ecological Society of America.

Kari Clase, an assistant professor of industrial technology at Purdue University, coordinates a biotechnology program on campus that serves students from multiple disciplines. In addition, she is the lead scientist for learning at Purdue Bindley Bioscience Center, a bioengineering research center.

Juville Dario-Becker is a professor of biology at Central Virginia Community College. She teaches online and hybrid sections of general biology and human anatomy and physiology.

Sam Fan, an associate professor in biology at Bradley University, teaches courses on immunology, microbiology, and introductory biology (cell biology and genetics) to both biology major and non-science majors. He also serves as a clinical assistant professor in pathology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Ron Gerrits is an associate professor of engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, where he coordinates most of the science courses for biomedical engineering, nursing and perfusion student. (Perfusionists are the individuals who run the heart-lung machine during heart surgeries.) He also is the academic coordinator and main instructor for a Focus on Biomedical Engineering” summer program for high school students.

Virginia Gutiérrez-Osborne teaches at Fresno City College campus for the State Center Community College District, where she is a biology instructor. Her courses include human biology, horticulture, biology readiness, and microbiology.

Lee Hughes is a lecturer and undergraduate advisor in the biological sciences at the University of North Texas. His courses, which he has taught in face-to-face, online and hybrid formats, have included principles of biology, applied microbiology, microorganisms, science methods, and careers in the life sciences.

Sue Katz, assistant professor of biology at Rogers State University in Tulsa, teaches courses on microbiology, general cellular biology, immunology, biology of microorganisms, and molecular biology.

Dwight Krehbiel teaches at Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., where he is a professor of psychology. A biological psychologist, his teaching focuses on biological and cognitive aspects of psychology, particularly neuropsychology, health psychology, and the psychology of music. He also teaches courses in animal behavior and in scientific computing. His research focuses on physiological and emotional responses to music.

Jerry Krueger is an assistant professor of biology at South Dakota State University, where he is a member of the introductory biology teaching team. In addition, he is the secondary education program manager for biology majors who want to go teach high school upon graduation. His research interests in regeneration dynamics in conifer forests

Terry McGuire serves as associate professor and vice chair of the Department of Genetics at Rutgers University. Since 2002, he has been involved with SENCER (Science Education and the New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities), a national organization devoted to strengthening the learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.

Holly Morris, professor of biology at Lehigh Carbon Community College in Schnecksville, Penn., worked in basic medical research before she began teaching. She currently teaches anatomy/physiology, pathophysiology, nutrition, general biology, and genetics.

Rebecca Reiss is an associate professor of biology at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech). Her area of expertise is genetics and, in addition to teaching the undergraduate and graduate genetics courses, she teaches a week long course high-school course called “CSI: Socorro” that provides hands-on experience with fluorescent genotyping used in forensic DNA analysis.

Michele Shuster, an assistant professor of biology at New Mexico State University, teaches a variety of biology courses including introductory biology, general biology, and pre-nursing microbiology, as well as some upper division courses focusing on genetics and cancer. Dr. Shuster was awarded with the NMSU Roush Award in Spring 2007.

Joanne Tillotson is an associate professor of biology at Purchase College, State University of New York. A biochemist, her primary teaching assignment includes the general biology labs and lectures.

Steve Wagner is an associate professor of biology at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. He teaches introductory biology, general microbiology, nursing microbiology, planetary and space biology for teachers, and microbial ecology. His research involves use of beneficial microorganisms to solve environmental problems and development and integration of inquiry-based learning activities.

Dave Wessner teaches at Davidson College where he is an associate professor of biology. A virologist by training, he teaches introductory biology, microbiology, and an upper level seminar on HIV/AIDS.