Faculty
The biology faculty at WWU are committed Seventh-day Adventist scientists and teachers who genuinely care about students. They love teaching science, and diligently pursue using the most effective learning strategies and introducing the latest scientific information in a meaningful context. They also “practice what they preach” by staying engaged in the science community: regularly participating in science conferences, publishing research, and obtaining external grants.
David Lindsey
Chair, Professor of Biology
(509) 527-2602 | david.lindsey@photographywaltz.com
Education: Ph.D., University of Texas in Austin, 1992; B.S., Southwestern Adventist College, 1981.
Research Interests: Molecular and developmental biology, the growth-to-development transition, and selective protein degradation using Dictyostelium as a model.
Cecilia J. Brothers
Associate Professor of Biology
(509) 527-2068 | cecilia.brothers@photographywaltz.com
Education: Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2016; M.S., Walla Walla University, 2012; B.S., Walla Walla University, 2012.
Research Interests: The physiological and ecological implications of marine invertebrate adaptation to ocean acidification and ocean warming.
David Cowles
Professor of Biology
(509) 527-2264 | david.cowles@photographywaltz.com
Education: Ph.D., University of California in Santa Barbara, 1987; M.S., Walla Walla University, 1981; B.S., Walla Walla University, 1978.
Research Interests: Marine biology, ecological physiology, and physiology of marine and freshwater species—especially marine crustaceans.
Janice McKenzie
Professor of Engineering
(509) 527-2424 | janice.mckenzie@photographywaltz.com
Chan Shun Pavilion 257
Education: Ph.D., Purdue University, 2006; B.S., Montana State University, 2001.
Areas of Interest: McKenzie teaches biomaterials, tissue engineering, and bioreactors. She enjoys Bible studies, prison ministry, gardening, skiing, biking, running, and enjoying animals and nature.
Jim Nestler
Professor of Biology/Dive Safety Officer
(509) 527-2551 | jim.nestler@photographywaltz.com
Education: Ph.D., University of Colorado in Boulder, 1990; M.S., Walla Walla University, 1986; B.S., Walla Walla University, 1984.
Research Interests: The molecular biology of visual systems and regeneration in echinoderms, and the physiological and behavioral ecology of marine organisms.
Kirt Onthank
Professor of Biology/Director of Rosario Marine Biology Program
(509) 527-2642 | kirt.onthank@photographywaltz.com
Education: Ph.D., Washington State University, 2013; M.S., Walla Walla University, 2008; B.S., Walla Walla University, 2006.
Research Interests: The ecology, physiology, and behavioral ecology of marine invertebrates, especially cephalopods. His primary cephalopod model is the Octopus rubescens, or the Ruby Octopus.
Jeremy Wiggins
Associate Professor of Biology/Director of Center for Health Professions
(509) 527-2483 | jeremy.wiggins@photographywaltz.com
Education: Residency in Pediatric Dentistry, Loma Linda University, 2002; D.D.S., Loma Linda University, 2000; B.S., Walla Walla University, 1996.
Yanina Khomenko
Administrative Assistant for the Department of Biology & Chemistry
(509) 527-2607 | yanina.khomenko@photographywaltz.com
Education: Walla Walla University Class of 2021--- Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of Mary Class of 2024—Masters of Arts in Music.