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@wallawalla.edu
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@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2016; M.S., Walla Walla University, 2012; B.S., Walla Walla University, 2010.
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@wallawalla.edu
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.
Matthew Wiliams
Associate Professor of Biology
Office number coming soon | matthew.williams@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D., The University of Adelaide, 2022; M.A., The Australian National University 2017; B.A., Macquarie University 2014.
Research Interests: The use of ancient DNA and population genetics to elucidate the history and processes that shaped contemporary genetic and biological diversity–to learn more about our research visit our lab website.
Janice McKenzie
Professor of Engineering
(509) 527-2424 | janice.mckenzie@wallawalla.edu
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@wallawalla.edu
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@wallawalla.edu
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@wallawalla.edu
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@wallawalla.edu
Education: Walla Walla University Class of 2021--- Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of Mary Class of 2024—Masters of Arts in Music.