Lakeland College

About Biology

Biology is a diverse field because life is a diverse subject of study. Biologists explore all aspects of our living planet, from the intricacies of biochemicals to the interrelations of ecosystems, from anatomical systems to the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms that make such systems possible.

Lakeland's biology curriculum is dedicated to providing its students with a solid background in the life sciences, while keeping abreast of the latest developments throughout the natural sciences. As a truly multidisciplinary field, biology embodies the College's liberal-arts tradition and encourages students to integrate various types of knowledge and to approach problems from multiple perspectives.

Biology majors and minors don't just study science; they do it. They are scientists both in training and in practice, preparing for careers in teaching, laboratory work, medicine, industry, and environmental science.

Students who major in Biology will be able to:

• understand the central concepts of basic cellular and molecular biology;
• understand and demonstrate the mechanisms of classical Mendelian genetics and evolutionary genetics;
• appreciate and document the variations of life forms, from both genetic and ecological points of view;
• formulate and solve problems in biology by applying the scientific method, particularly within a laboratory setting; and
• write clearly and professionally about issues in biology, laboratory findings, and the scientific process.

Biology Faculty

To learn more about Lakeland's Biology faculty, follow the link associated with their name.

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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