Our professors are distinguished scholars, active researchers, published writers, and faithful Christians who demonstrate what it means to be both Christ-followers and leaders in their academic fields. As mentors and role models, they play a huge role in the integration of faith and learning at Bethel.

Department Chair

Amy Dykstra

Professor of Biological Sciences and Department Chair | a-b-dykstra@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011

Dykstra's research interests include the ecology, conservation, and population genetics of native plants. She collaborates with the Echinacea Project to study narrow-leaved purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia), a native prairie plant. Recently, Dykstra's students have been studying the use of goats to control invasive buckthorn.

Faculty

Bryan Anderson

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences | andbry@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1991

Professor Anderson's research interests include water remediation, fossil excavation, forest and management.

Melissa Cordes

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences | m-cordes@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015

Dr. Cordes is interested in the neural integration of social cues and communication in European starlings as well as the possible rewarding properties of androgens.

Teresa DeGolier

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita | t-degolier@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1994

DeGolier's research interests include smooth muscle physiology and pharmacology in vitro, peptide regulation of gastrointestinal, uterine, and vascular smooth muscle motility, and the use of herbs in alternative medicine.

Joyce Doan

Professor of Biological Sciences | j-doan@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2004

Dr. Doan's main research interests are in the area of macrophage activation. Macrophages are multifunctional leukocytes that constitute a major first line of defense against infection. Resting macrophages are phagocytic, but macrophages activated by both intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli acquire a broad range of functions ranging from the release of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, cytokine secretion, upregulated phagocytosis, and the ability to participate in the activation of adaptive . . . read more.

Brent Hoernemann

Laboratory and Safety Coordinator | brent-hoernemann@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1999

Hoernemann supervises teaching assistants, oversees greenhouse and animal facilities, maintains equipment, and supplies materials for the department.

Brian Hyatt

Professor of Biological Sciences | b-hyatt@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2003

Hyatt's research interests include developmental genetics of early lung development.

Jonathan Ibisch

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences | jji62854@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Gregg Johnson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus | g-johnson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1975

Johnson's research interests include genetic toxicology, sister chromatid exchange, and behavioral responses in animals to hormonal and chemical stimuli.

Ian Johnston

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus | i-johnston@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1988

Johnston's research interests include microbial landscapes on the surfaces of reef-coral tissues in relation to coral disease, stewardship of coral reefs, and interactions between science and Christian faith.

Beth Keister

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences | bak52469@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Abbie Marten

Instructor of Biological Sciences | ae-reynen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022

Instructor of Biological Sciences

Brittany Nairn

Associate Professor of Biological Sciences | brittany-nairn@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018

Professor Nairn teaches in the Biological Sciences department.

Ann O'Neill

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences | amo88393@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017

O'Neill is an adjunct instructor in the Biological Sciences department.

Patricia Paulson

Professor of Biological Sciences Emerita | patricia-paulson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1999

Paulson focuses her research on trustworthy practices for teaching and learning, focusing specifically on integrating scientific practices. She has led the GEMS program, coordinated the STEM program, and taught Life Science Concepts, Applied STEM Practices, and Science Curriculum and Methods at all levels. With the completion of her phased in retirement in June 2020, Paulson serves as an adjunct instructor in the Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership program, teaching the Curriculum and Inst. . . read more.

Kenneth Petersen

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus | k-petersen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2003

Petersen's research interests include responses of wildlife populations and communities to habitat alterations.

Jeffrey Port

Professor of Biological Sciences | jport@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001

Recent research topics include the use of restored prairies by grassland songbirds, small mammals and insects, and reproductive biology and natural history of Ecuadorian cloudforest songbirds. Dr. Port also is a federally licensed master bird bander and operates a MAPS (www.birdpop.org/pages/maps.php) station in cooperation with Anoka County in the Rum River Central Park during the summer months.

James Reynhout

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus | j-reynhout@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1980

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus

Faith Schumann

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences | fas42587@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021

Adjunct Instructor of General Studies

Timothy Shaw

Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus | t-shaw@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1985

Shaw's research interests include development of chick nervous system, the brain and feeding behavior, relationships between the structure of the brain and behavior, progress in new clinical treatment options, and the biology of morality.

Leann Snow

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences | lms87849@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences

Paula Soneral

Professor of Biological Sciences | p-soneral@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008

Soneral's research interests include cell motility and the cytoskeleton and regulation of motor proteins in cilia/flagellar assembly.

Jim Stern

Adjunct Instructor of Biological Sciences | jms84372@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2014

I have taught courses in biology, animal behavior, environmental science, and earth science. I thrive on any adventures that include encounters with wildlife, geologic events, or environmental issues. I have 32 years of teaching experience and enjoy teaching these natural sciences to students from middle school age through adult.

Jackie Towner

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences | j-towner@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

Jeffrey Winter

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences | jdw68786@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2009

Professor Winter teaches as an adjunct instructor within the Biology department.

Sara Wyse

Professor of Biological Sciences | s-wyse@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2010

Professor of Biological Sciences College of Arts & Sciences Faculty Development Coordinator