Department of Biology
Faculty
James Kerfoot, Jr. (2009). Professor of Biology and Department Co-Chair. B.S. and M.S., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville; Ph.D., Florida Institute of Technology.
James Marcus Lockett (2004). Professor of Biology and Department Co-Chair. B.S. and M.S., Murray State University; Ph.D., University of Tennessee.
Mark Bolyard (2006). Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences and University Professor of Biology. B.A., Hanover College; Ph.D., University of North Carolina; Additional study, Michigan State University; Penn State College of Medicine.
Jeremy Blaschke (2015). Associate Professor of Biology. B.S., Bryan College; M.S. and Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Robert S. Bowen (2022). Professor of Biology. B.S., Northern Michigan University; MGIS, University of Minnesota; M.S., Northern Michigan University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina Charlotte; Additional Study, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Euna (Esther) Choi (2016). Associate Professor of Biology. B.S. and M.S., Hallym University (Chuncheon, South Korea); Ph.D., University of Illinois; Additional Study, University of Nebraska.
Micah Fern (2018). Associate Professor of Biology. B.S., Union University; M.S. and Ph.D., Auburn University.
Andy Madison (2002). Professor of Biology. B.S., University of Tennessee; M.S., University of Kentucky; Ph.D., Kansas State University.
Tamara Popplewell (2008). Assistant Professor of Biology. B.S. and M.A.Ed., Union University; M.S., Mississippi State University.
Michael Schiebout (2012). Professor of Biology. B.A., Dordt College; M.S. and Ph.D., University of Northern Colorado.
William Thierfelder (2014). Associate Professor of Biology and Director of the Hammons Center for Scientific Studies. Sc.B, Brown University; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania; Additional study, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Faith A. Zamamiri-Davis (2011). Associate Professor of Biology. B.S., Westmont College; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University; Additional study, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Instructional Staff
Heather Hetrick (2019). Laboratory Specialist. B.S. and M.U.Ed., Union University.
Lisa Hight (2023).Laboratory Specialist. B.S., Union University, M.S., Austin Peay State University, Ed.D., University of Memphis.
Susan Leviticus (2021). Laboratory Specialist. M.A.T., Austin Peay State University.
Mary (Meg) Nethery (2020). Laboratory Specialist. M.S. in Physical Therapy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis; B.S., Union University.
Robert Wamble (2011-2015, 2017). Laboratory Specialist, Director for Anatomical Services and Director for Plastination. B.S., University of Tennessee; D.V.M., Auburn University.
Staff
Laura Hailey (2020). Academic Secretary—Biology and Chemistry, and Biology Program Coordinator. B.S., Union University.
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum in biology is designed to acquaint students with living organisms as whole, functioning entities that, in their diversity, share many common features. In addition to providing the scientific background required of all educated citizens, the courses provide a foundation upon which the student may build a graduate program, undertake training in health-related or other professions, or prepare for secondary-level science teaching. Students participate in independent research as well as specific courses.
Because contemporary biology leans heavily on mathematics and physical sciences, students majoring in biology will be encouraged to learn mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and physics. In the freshman year, students in BIO 112 will build a foundation for study of biological processes. Students can proceed to the first 200-level biology course during the second semester of the freshman year. In the sophomore year, students will continue to survey the kingdoms of life by taking additional 200-level biology courses. Students should strengthen their understanding of mathematics and obtain a background in organic chemistry as appropriate. Biology courses at the 300-400 level should be taken during the junior and senior years.
Conservation Biology Majors may meet the requirements to become a Certified Wildlife Biologist by taking twelve hours of communication. The General Core requirement for COM 112 and electives of COM 121 and COM 235 may be used to fulfill 9 hours of this requirement. The remaining hours may be selected in consultation with the student's assigned faculty advisor.
Assessment of Majors
Biology majors are required to take two terminal courses as a requirement for graduation: BIO 419, Research Experience for Educators or BIO 427 Research Experience; and BIO 498, Seminar. The Department may administer the Major Field Examination, or a Senior Exit Questionnaire to senior biology majors in BIO 419 and 427.
Student Organizations
Biologists In Observation of the Master’s Earth, BIOME, serves students interested in exploring the world of biology beyond the classroom. BIOME is designed primarily for biology majors and minors but is open to anyone with an interest in biology.
Union’s Biology department has formed a local chapter of Tri-Beta, which is an honorary society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research (www.tri-beta.org).
Student Awards
The Biology Research Award is given by the faculty of the Department of Biology to the student in BIO 427 who presents the best research paper of the year, based on an original piece of work.
Whiteaker Freshman Biology Award. The Department selects a freshman major or minor based on outstanding scholastic achievement, financial need, Christian service, and school spirit.