A huge part of developing a career in conservation biology is having connections and gaining experience, and the professors here are very eager to provide students with those opportunities. I’ve been able to take part in various conservation projects, go on field trips, and participate in conferences. Through the One Health conference I attended with one of my professors, I made connections with a conservation organization to participate in forest restoration and lemur habitat monitoring in Madagascar over the summer. It’s an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was made possible by the opportunities provided to me at Wayne State!
Anna DeGroot
Clarinda, Iowa
Major: Biology
I wanted to go to Wayne State because they have a fantastic science program. I met with a few professors in the science department while on my first tour, and they were absolutely amazing and answered all my questions. They were my deciding factor. I have always wanted to be a health care worker, and I chose the Pre-Physician Assistant program while at Wayne State. Wayne State has given me the background knowledge I need for PA school, as well as the studying and communication skills to flourish in my master’s program.
Rebecca Pasquinelly
North Platte, Nebraska
Major: Biology
A huge part of developing a career in conservation biology is having connections and gaining experience, and the professors here are very eager to provide students with those opportunities. I’ve been able to take part in various conservation projects, go on field trips, and participate in conferences. Through the One Health conference I attended with one of my professors, I made connections with a conservation organization to participate in forest restoration and lemur habitat monitoring in Madagascar over the summer. It’s an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was made possible by the opportunities provided to me at Wayne State!
Anna DeGroot
Clarinda, Iowa
Major: Biology
I wanted to go to Wayne State because they have a fantastic science program. I met with a few professors in the science department while on my first tour, and they were absolutely amazing and answered all my questions. They were my deciding factor. I have always wanted to be a health care worker, and I chose the Pre-Physician Assistant program while at Wayne State. Wayne State has given me the background knowledge I need for PA school, as well as the studying and communication skills to flourish in my master’s program.
Rebecca Pasquinelly
North Platte, Nebraska
Major: Biology
Department faculty
Douglas Christensen, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Doug Christensen is a biology professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests include utilization of molecular biology in a broad range of sciences (including medical, environmental, and industrial fields); teaching about battles between the immune system and the evolving world of bacteria and viruses; microbiology; molecular genetics; and immunology.
Buffany DeBoer is a biology instructor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests are general education biology and environmental science.
Dr. Mark Hammer is a biology professor at Wayne State College. He advises students who are interested in a career as a conservation biologist, physician assistant (including RHOP pre-PA), or occupational therapist. He is also the director of the A. Jewell Schock Natural History Museum.
Michael Mutehart, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Michael Mutehart is a life sciences professor at Wayne State College. Mutehart has a strong background in clinical anatomy education. His teaching responsibilities are mainly in the field of human gross anatomy and its related counterparts (histology, comparative anatomy, etc.).
Dr. Shawn Pearcy is a biology professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests are biology, human physiology, vertebrate embryology, and physiological ecology.
Danielle Peekenschneider, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Danielle Peekenschneider is a biology professor at Wayne State College. Her teaching interests include general education biology, oncology, and immunology.
Jillian Wormington, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Jillian Wormington is a biology professor at Wayne State College and the zoological curator of the A. Jewell Schock Natural History Museum.
