Choosing an Advisor in Biology
Choosing the right advisor and meeting with him/her regularly can enhance your ability to succeed academically and put you on the right track when it comes to graduation! When you first declare your interest in a degree program in Biology (B.S. or A.S.) or in a minor in Biology, an advisor in the Biology Department will be assigned to you. However, as you proceed through your academic career, you are free to choose any of the advisors in the Department.
Biology Advisors and their Specialties
Dr. Margot Becktell
As a plant pathologist, Dr. Becktell enjoys working with students interested in pursuing careers and/or graduate work in botany, horticulture, and plant pathology. She also works with students who are interested in getting a minor in Biology. Dr. Becktell can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Patrice Connors
Dr. Connors advises students who are in the Biology Secondary Education concentration. In addition, given her research background in ecological physiology/small mammal physiology, Dr. Connors is also happy to advise students interested in pursuing careers or graduate work in these fields. Dr. Connors can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. George Gromke
As a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy), advises students who are interested in pursuing human health professions. He works with pre-medical students, pre-dental students, and pre-pharmacy students as well as students who plan on entering physical therapy programs and physician assistant schools upon graduating from CMU. Dr. Gromke can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Paul Hampton
Dr. Hampton enjoys advising students who are interested in herpetology and vertebrate physiology. He also enjoys working with students who want to pursue graduate school. Dr. Hampton can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Eriek Hansen
Dr. Hansen works with students whose interests are in Fish and Wildlife, Aquatic Ecology, and Natural Resource Management. He also works with students who are interested in pursuing graduate school. Dr. Hansen can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Denise McKenney
Dr. McKenney advises students who are interested in careers in Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Cell and Molecular Biology. She also enjoys working with students interested in attending graduate school in Biology. Dr. McKenney can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Kyle McQuade
Dr. McQuade works with students who are interested in professions involving Cell and Molecular Biology. He also advises students interested in going to graduate school in Cell and Molecular Biology or a related field. Dr. McQuade can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Carrie McVean
As the Department Head of Biology, Dr. McVean is available on a very limited basis to work with students wanting to enter vet school upon graduation. She also advises students that are interested in pursuing careers in the Health Sciences, again on a very limited basis due to her position as Department Head. Dr. McVean can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Zeynep Ozsoy
Dr. Ozsoy enjoys working with students who are interested in pursuing careers in Cell and Molecular Biology. She also advises students who plan on going to graduate school in Cell and Molecular Biology or a related field. Dr. Ozsoy can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Megan Sherbenou
With her background in understanding high-altitude physiology, Dr. Sherbenou advises students interested in careers related to human anatomy and physiology or Health Sciences. Dr. Sherbenou can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Matt Stansbury
Dr. Stansbury advises students who are interested in careers involving Evolution, Development and Evolutionary Development (EvoDevo) as well as students who are interested in pursuing Graduate School in Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics.Dr. Stansbury can be reached at undefined [email protected].
Dr. Stephen Stern
As a plant molecular systematist, Dr. Stern advises students who are interested in careers involving Botany as well as students who are interested in pursuing Graduate School in Biology, Botany, and Systematics. Dr. Stern can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Johanna Varner
Dr. Varner advises students who are interested in careers in mammalogy and ecology. She also works with students who are planning to enter graduate school in Biology or a related field. Dr. Varner can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Thomas Walla
Dr. Walla advises students who are interested in careers in ecology and tropical biology. He also works with students who are planning to enter graduate school in Biology or a related field. Dr. Walla can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Denita Weeks
With her interest in amphibians and their interactions with their environment, Dr. Weeks advises students interested in herpetology and microbiology. She also works with students interested pursuing a graduate degree. Dr. Weeks can be reached at [email protected].
Dr. Steve Werman
As a herpetologist who specializes in molecular systematics, Dr. Werman advises students who are interested in careers involving herpetology and vertebrate zoology. He also enjoys working with students who are interested in pursuing graduate school in Biology. Dr. Werman can be reached at [email protected].
Contacting the Biology Department
If you are interested in finding out more about the advisors in the Department, please contact Amy O'Campo in the Biology/PES office at 970.248.1993. The Biology/PES Office is located in the Wubben Science Building, on the second floor, next to the elevator (WS 232).