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

Click the links below to learn more about Lakeland's biology faculty.

Paul Pickhardt

Paul Pickhardt, a member of Lakeland's faculty since 2006 and current Natural Sciences Division Chair, was named Lakeland's winner of the Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award in...
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Kathy Rath Marr

Kathleen Rath Marr joined Lakeland's faculty in 1987, but she grew up on Lakeland's campus, and today holds the position once held by her father, David Rath. With interests as wide ranging as...
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Jeffery Schwehm

Jeff Schwehm brings a truly student-centered approach to his work, both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Schwehm fosters student exploration and learning by serving as a mentor to several students...
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Gregory Smith

Greg Smith is always working to create new ways for his students to learn. A member of the college's faculty since 2003, Dr. Smith is co-founder of Lakeland Undergraduate Research Experience...
Read more about Gregory Smith