About Biochemistry
Biochemists study the chemistry of life - the ways that life operates at its most fundamental levels. They explore and seek to understand the structure and function of all living things at the molecular level. As even a casual glance at the news indicates, though, the exploration of the smallest pieces of life opens up huge employment opportunities. The field of biochemistry is central to current groundbreaking work in genetics, bioengineering, and health care.
Biochemistry is the most specialized of Lakeland's natural science majors and asks its students to apply their knowledge from different fields to highly complex problems. Majoring in biochemistry allows one access to future graduate and professional study, as well as jobs in, among other areas, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, forensic science, agricultural research, and food science.
Students who major in Biochemistry will be able to:
- understand and work with the central concepts of the field, including bioenergetics, biochemical pathways, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides, and proteins;
- formulate and solve biochemistry problems by applying the scientific method, particularly within a laboratory setting;
- write effective lab reports, which follow the form and meet the expectations of scientific journals; and
- perform lab practices safely and professionally, employing up-to-date computer and instrumentation technology.
Biochemistry Faculty
To learn more about Lakeland's Biochemistry faculty, follow the link associated with their name.
Brian Frink
Dr. Brian Frink, Associate Professor Chemistry and Physics, holds a doctorate from Ohio State University. He began at Lakeland in 1999. Currently, Brian is developing a project-oriented...Read more about Brian Frink
Kathy Rath Marr
Dr. Kathleen Rath Marr is the Chair of the Natural Sciences Division, a position that her father once held at the college. She is the author of Into the (Grether) Woods , a book that documents...Read more about Kathy Rath Marr
Paul Pickhardt
Dr. Paul Pickhardt, Assistant Professor of Biology, holds a doctorate from Dartmouth College. He joined the faculty in 2006. An aquatic ecologist, Paul's research centers around the interactions...Read more about Paul Pickhardt
Jeffery Schwehm
Dr. Jeff Schwehm, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas in 1999. He has been a member of the faculty since 2004. Jeff directs student research in...Read more about Jeffery Schwehm
Gregory Smith
Dr. Greg Smith, Assistant Professor of Biology, holds a doctorate from the University of Oregon. He joined the faculty in 2003. Smith's research concerns the genetics, cellular structure, and...Read more about Gregory Smith
Fast Facts
- Students are exposed to various faculty-guided research opportunities as early as freshman year, which provides exceptional experience for those students intending to apply to graduate school.
- The Chase Science center houses graduate-level research equipment to aid students in their research.
