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Department of Biology
258 Science Building
Cheney, WA 99004
phone: 509.359.2339

Faculty & Staff

Welcome to our department!
  • Justin Bastow, Ph.D.
    Justin Bastow, Ph.D.
    Part-Time Faculty
    SCI 235
    Phone: 509.359.2810
  • Prakash Bhuta, Ph.D.
    Prakash Bhuta, Ph.D.
    Professor
    SCI 295
    Phone: 509.359.2818
    Vita: Download

    I received Ph. D. in Microbiology from University of Southwestern Louisiana. Before that I obtained M. Sc. in Microbiology from Maharaja Sayajirao University at Baroda (India), a Diploma in Pharmacy from the Bombay College of Pharmacy and B. Sc. - major: Microbiology and minor: Chemistry - with Honors from Bombay University, Bombay (India).

    I have worked as a research fellow, at the Cancer Research Institute (Chemotherapy Division), Bombay(India). After graduating from the University of SW Louisiana, I carried out postdoctoral research at the Michigan Cancer Foundation (Chemistry Department); and at the University of Michigan (The Simpson Memorial Institute, Division of Hematology). After graduating with a Ph. D. degree, I have studied the mechanism of ribosomal peptidyltransferase and recombinant DNA techniques.

    At Eastern Washington University, I am involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate students through formal lecture classes, research projects and by directed studies. My students are also my co-authors in research presentations and publications.

    Last modified August 25, 2010

  • A. Ross Black, Ph.D.
    A. Ross Black, Ph.D.
    Professor
    SCI 234B
    Phone: 509.359.4815
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:
    1993
    Undergraduate Degree:
    University of Washington, 1985
    Graduate Degree(s):
    University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1989, M.S.
    University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1991, Ph.D.

    Post Doctoral Work:
    University of Louisville, 1991-1993
    Advisor:
    Environmental Biology
    Courses Taught:
    Ecology, General Biology, Biological Investigation
    Research Areas:
    Limnology; population biology; life histories; evolution; aquatic ecology
  • Rebecca Brown, Ph.D.
    Rebecca Brown, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor
    SCI 254
    Phone: 509.359.2528

    As an Associate Professor at Eastern Washington University, I conduct research on riparian and plant ecology and teach Ecology, Botany, Research Design and Literature, and Riparian Ecology.

    I am actively seeking graduate students who are interested in pursuing a master's degree in plant or riparian ecology. Please contact me if you are interested.

    Some of my recent research projects include:

    • Effects of dams on riparian vegetation of the Elwha River, Olympic National Park
    • Effects of hydrologic alteration on invasive Japanese knotweed in riparian zones
    • Cheatgrass control and native species restoration on prairie mima mounds at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
    • Factors influencing species diversity and invasibilty
    • Riparian restoration in Eastern Washington
  • Karen Carlberg, Ph.D.
    Karen Carlberg, Ph.D.
    Professor
    SCI 266
    Phone: 509.359.2388
    I am a native of Seattle, Washington. My degrees include a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington in 1972, an M.S. in Biology from the University of New Mexico in 1976, and a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of New Mexico in 1981. After finishing my doctoral degree I had a postdoctoral research fellowship for two and a half years in the Department of Physiology at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

    My professional work experience started with a position as a human engineering analyst at the Boeing Company in Seattle from 1972 to 1974. After completing my postdoctoral fellowship I joined the faculty of the Department of Biology at Eastern Washington University in 1983. I served as department chair from 1994 to 1997.

    My research interest in exercise physiology comes from my personal interest in sports. I was very active in synchronized swimming for quite a number of years as a swimmer and coach. Today I'm an avid masters swimmer, and I also enjoy kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and cycling

    Eastern Since:
    1983
    Undergraduate Degree:
    University of Washington, 1972
    Graduate Degree(s):
    University of New Mexico, 1976, M.S.
    University of New Mexico, 1981, Ph.D.
    Post Doctoral Work:
    University of Florida, College of Medicine, 1981-1983
    Advisor: Human Biology
    Courses Taught:
    Human Anatomy and Physiology; Animal Physiology; Biology of Women; Biology of Aging; Nervous System for WWAMI medical students
    Research Areas:
    Effects of exercise on endocrine and reproductive systems.

  • Andrea Castillo
    Andrea Castillo
    Assistant Professor
    SCI 291
    Phone: 509.359.2866
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:

    2008

    Undergraduate Degree:

    Albertson College of Idaho

    Graduate Degree(s):

    University of Colorado, Boulder

    Post Doctoral Work:

    Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
    University of California, Santa Cruz, CA

    Advisor:

    Medical Technology Program

    Courses Taught:

    Microbiology, Current Topics in Cellular and Molecular Biology (graduate studies)

    Research Areas:

    Bacteria Pathogenesis. Studying the molecules in Heliocobacter pylori uses to infect and cause gastric disease in humans.

  • David Daberkow
    David Daberkow
    David Daberkow
    SC 256
    Phone: 509.359.2259
  • Bradley Fillmore
    Bradley Fillmore
    Lecturer
    SCI 270
    Phone: 509.359.2845
    Eastern Since:

    2008

    Undergraduate Degree:

    Brigham Young University, 1995, B.S.

    Graduate Degree(s):

    Idaho State University, 1999, M.S.
    Currently enrolled in the Doctorate Program, Idaho State University

    Courses Taught:

    Human Anatomy and Physiology

    Field of Interest(s):

    Human Anatomy and Physiology; Health Professions; Pharmacology

  • Flash Gibson, Ph.D.
    Flash Gibson, Ph.D.
    Professor
    SCI 260
    Phone: 509.359.2348
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:

    1971

    Undergraduate Degree:

    Eastern Washington University, 1966

    Graduate Degree(s):

    Oregon State University, 1969, M.S.
    Oregon State University, 1971, Ph.D.

    Courses Taught:

    Introduction to Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology

    Research Areas:

    Aquatic ecology and small stream bioassessment.

  • James Hallett, Ph.D
    James Hallett, Ph.D
    Adjunct Professor
    TLES 4
    Phone: 509.359.4726
  • Tom Hancock, Ph.D.
    Tom Hancock, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor
    SCI 256
    Phone: 509.359.7006
    Vita: Download

    Undergraduate Degrees:
    B.S. Willamette University
    B.S. Portland State University

    Graduate Degrees:
    M.S. Portland State University
    Ph.D. University of Colorado

    Advisor: Pre-Veterinary, Pre-Physical Therapy

    Courses Taught:
    Animal Physiology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Muscle Physiology, Animal Behavior, and courses with the medical and dental programs at the Spokane Riverpoint campus.

    Research Areas:
    My research centers around the relationship between muscle physiology, energetics, and locomotor ability in ectothermic vertebrates. My current research interests emphasize the metabolic costs associated with locomotion and the ecological and behavioral consequences of these costs. My lab is currently investigating physiological and morphological adaptation to long distance migration in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) after reintroduction into the mid-Columbia and Snake River systems. Katie Wagner (MS) has recently graduated with a masters degree from my lab primarily investigating this issue. My lab is also investigating training effects on salmonids during early development in order to examine the phenotypic plasticity of the locomotor and cardiovascular systems in kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and this work is being done by Cassandra Pharr. I am currently submitting a grant to NSF titled "Cardiac performance and peripheral resistance changes associated with the water-land transition of fish and amphibians" and am pursuing that research with my colleagues at Portland State University, California State University East Bay, and the California Academy of Sciences. Our lab is also using bioenergetics as a tool to understand the interactions between metabolism, temperature, growth, and prey consumption. My recent graduate student, Chris Moan (MS) completed work modeling the bioenergetics of burbot (Lota lota) and I assisted Nick Bean (MS) in his investigation of northern pike (Esox lucius), an invasive and expanding species in the Pend Oreille River system. My dissertation work examined recovery from varying types of activity in the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis). I have also researched the effects on developmental temperature effects on muscle, morphology, and locomotor ability in salamander larvae, and body water homeostasis in amphibians.

     

     

  • Charles Herr, Ph.D.
    Charles Herr, Ph.D.
    Associate Professor
    SCI 234C
    Phone: 509.359.2038
    Eastern Since:
    1994
    Undergraduate Degree:
    University of Wyoming, 1979
    Graduate Degree(s):
    Washington State University, 1986, Ph.D.
    Post Doctoral Work:
    Australian National University, 1987-1991
    Advisor: Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, and Human Biology
    Courses Taught:
    Genetics(Biol 410 and 310), Embryology(Biol 477), General Biology(Biol 171, 172 and 173), Cell Biology (Biol 436), Biological Investigation (Biol 270), Premed Seminar (Biol 496) and Graduate Seminar (Biol 598)
    Research Areas:
    Developing universally applicable reproductive technologies primarily for the benefit of endangered species.
  • Sidney Kasuga, Ph.D.
    Sidney Kasuga, Ph.D.
    Professor
    SCI 289
    Phone: 509.359.2868
    Eastern Since:
    1970
    Undergraduate Degree:
    Lewis and Clark College, 1963
    Graduate Degree(s):
    University of Montana, 1967, M.S.
    University of Montana, 1971, Ph.D.
    Post Doctoral Work:
    Stella Duncan Memorial Research Institute, 1971-1974
    National Cancer Institute, 1973
    Advisor: Pre-Med, Pre-Dental
    Courses Taught:
    Epidemiology, Immunology, Hematology, Microbiology, Biology of Cancer
    Research Areas:
    Immunodeficiency states.
  • Joanna Joyner Matos
    Joanna Joyner Matos
    Assistant Professor
    SCI 234B
    Phone: 509.359.2361
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:
    2008
    Undergraduate Degree:
    University of Utah, 2000 Honors, Biology
    Graduate Degree(s):
    Washington State University, 2002, M.S. Zoology
    University of Florida, 2007, Ph.D. Zoology
    Post Doctoral Work:
    University of Florida, 2007-2008, Evolutionary Genetics
    Advisor:
    Pre-Med/Dent
    Courses Taught:
    Biological Investigation; Human Anatomy and Physiology; Animal Physiology; Biology of Aging; Biology of Symbiosis; Current Topics in Physiology

    Research Areas:

    My research interests are in comparative physiology, with the overall goal of understanding how the ecology and evolution of species are shaped by cellular-level processes. Information about current and future research projects is provided on my webpage (http://access.ewu.edu/Joanna-Joyner-Matos).

    I am actively recruiting undergraduate and graduate students to participate in on-going research and design independent projects. Please contact me if you are interested in participating in lab-based or field research.

  • Luis Matos
    Luis Matos
    Part-Time Faculty
    SCI 293
    Phone: 509.359.7082
  • Heather McKean, M.S.
    Heather McKean, M.S.
    Senior Associate Faculty
    SCI 241
    Phone: 509.359.6512
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:
    1989
    Undergraduate Degree:
    Eastern Washington University, 1975
    Graduate Degree(s):
    Eastern Washington University, 1983
    Advisor: Biology/Education
    Courses Taught:
    Biology Education (Lab Management), Introduction to Biology, Investigating Biology, Biology and Society.
    Research Areas:
    Development of educational materials and activities for K-12; Integrating Math and Science.
  • Camille McNeely, Ph.D.
    Camille McNeely, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    SCI 275
    Phone: 509.359.7049
    Vita: Download
    I am an aquatic ecologist with a strong interest in links between ecosystem processes and community interactions, and how these are affected by natural landscapes. I am particularly interested in how resource fluxes affect organisms' interactions, and conversely, how species traits and interactions affect pathways of nutrient and carbon cycling. My graduate research focused on how the ecological role of caddisfly grazers varied with watershed landscape position. I identified stream size thresholds associated with changes in grazing regimes. My findings also suggested that traits of primary consumers have consequences for whether algal energy is transferred up the food web to predators, or sequestered in predator-defended herbivores.

    Currently I am collaborating with researchers from the University of California, University of Minnesota, and Simon Frasier University on projects linking stream community and ecosystem processes to the landscape of a northern California watershed. Projects include 1) measuring nutrient regeneration by dominant invertebrates, 2) determining landscape controls on stream primary productivity and terrestrial carbon inputs, 3) using stable isotopes and diet analysis to compare how energy moves through food webs in productive and unproductive streams.

    I have also become interested in using measurements of basic ecosystem processes, such as primary productivity and nutrient cycling, as tools to evaluate stream ecosystem health. Anthropogenic impacts to streams are often assessed through labor-intensive biological monitoring based on invertebrate or algal communities. Measurements of ecosystem processes may be cheaper and less labor-intensive, and provide more insight into functional changes that may have occurred. However, their application to biological assessment has not been well-tested. I have begun some preliminary work comparing measures of nutrient uptake to conventional biological assessment using invertebrates, which I hope to expand

  • Margaret O'Connell, Ph.D.
    Margaret O'Connell, Ph.D.
    Professor and Chair; Co-Director Turnbull Laboratory for Ecological Studies
    SCI 262
    Phone: 509.359.6812
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:
    1992
    Undergraduate Degree:
    Precott College, 1973
    Graduate Degree(s):
    Texas Tech University, 1975, M.S.
    Texas Tech University, 1981, Ph.D.
    Post Doctoral Work: Smithsonian Institution; National Zoological Park, Washington, D.C.

    Advisor: Zoology, Environmental Biology
    Courses Taught:
    Vertebrate Zoology, Wildlife Management, Ornithology, Mammalogy, Conservation Biology.
    Research Areas:
    Animal population ecology and community structure; conservation wildlife-habitat relationships.

  • Robin O'Quinn, PhD
    Robin O'Quinn, PhD
    Assistant Professor
    SCI 234C
    Phone: 509.359.6118
    Vita: Download

    Eastern Since:
    2007
    Undergraduate Degree:
    University of California, Davis, 1998, Botany
    Graduate Degree:     Washington State University, 2005, PhD, Botany
    Post Doctoral Work:
    Mississippi State University, 2005-2006, Population Genetics; Portland State University, 2006-2007, Population Genetics
    Advisor:
    Plant Sciences
    Courses Taught:
    Biological Investigation; Introductory Biology for Majors (171, 172, 173); Summer field course (Geology/Biology); Molecular Ecology

    Research Interests:

    I am deeply curious about patterns and processes that shape organismal diversity. I am interested in the evolution of morphological diversity in plants (e.g., plant architecture), historical biogeography and aspects of evolutionary ecology, such as habitat preferences, pollinator-mediated hybridization and introgression. My approaches have included developmental and comparative morphology, molecular systematics, population genetics and field pollination biology. My primary study system has been the small tribe Montieae (Portulacaceae), but additional systems have included Loasaceae and more recently Asclepias (Apocynaceae). With my research, I aim to synthesize evidence in a phylogenetic framework from diverse fields to understand plant species diversity.

    Research opportunities for students are the central focus of my research agenda. I frame many of my research questions in "bite-sized" chunks, so that they are attractive and doable to students who may have limited time, but substantial interest. This approach produces project ideas that are perfect for student research because they can be accomplished as individualized units, but effectively contribute to my broader research objectives. However, providing projects from my own research are not the sole aim of my research agenda. I am equally motivated to mentor student-initiated independent projects. Students with an interest in plant systematics, population biology, biogeography or morphology are encouraged to contact me.

    Select Publications:

    O'Quinn, R. and L. Hufford. 2005. Molecular Systematics of Montieae (Portulacaceae): Implications for taxonomy, biogeography and ecology. Systematic Botany. 30:314-331.

    O'Quinn, R. and M. Fishbein. 2008. Isolation, characterization and cross-species amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Asclepias (Apocynaceae). Conservation Genetics. In press, DOI 10.1007.

    Eppley, S.M., O'Quinn, R., and A.L. Brown. 2009. New sequence-tagged site molecular markers for identification of sex in Distichlis spicata. Molecular Ecology Resources. 9:1373-1374.

  • Dennis Mike Satterwhite
    Dennis Mike Satterwhite
    Instructional Classroom Support Technician 3
    SCI 176A
    Phone: 509-359-2793
  • Allan Scholz, Ph.D.
    Allan Scholz, Ph.D.
    Professor
    SCI 186C
    Phone: 509.359.6397
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:
    1980
    Undergraduate Degree:
    University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1976
    Graduate Degree(s):
    University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1977, M.S.
    University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1980, Ph.D.
    Post Doctoral Work:
    University of Wisconsin, 1979-1980
    Advisor: General Departmental Advisor, Aquatics, Environmental Biology
    Courses Taught:
    Ichthyology, Fisheries Biology, General Biology
    Research Areas:
    Hormonal regulation of smelt transformation and olfactory imprinting.
  • Suzanne Schwab, Ph.D.
    Suzanne Schwab, Ph.D.
    Professor
    SCI 268
    Phone: 509.359.4727
    Vita: Download
    Eastern Since:
    1983
    Undergraduate Degree:
    State University of New York, 1975
    Graduate Degree(s):
    Colorado State University, 1979, M.S.
    University of California - Riverside, 1982
    Post Doctoral Work:

    Advisor: Botany, Environmental Biology
    Courses Taught:
    Plant Physiology, Mycology, General Biology, Environmental Science.
    Research Areas:
    Physiological and ecological aspects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae, Restoration of disturbed land.

  • David French
    David French
    Instruction & Classroom Support Technician 2
    SCI 286
    Phone: 509.359.6976
    Eastern Since:
    2004
    Major Interests:
    Experimental medicine, nervous system, math, skiing, sailing (hanging out around boats) Cynthia, Cooper and Dudley (pet parrot)
    Degree(s)/Certifications:
    B.S. in Molecular Biology and BS in Philosophy
    Major Responsibilities:
    Ordering, greenhouse, microbiology, helping students in Bio 270 and Bio 490 experiments, supervising work-study students
  • Sue Murphy
    Sue Murphy
    Operations Manager
    SCI 258A
    Phone: 509.359.6809
    Eastern Since:
    2000 (although also worked at EWU 1976-81)
    Major Interests:
    Distance Education, Management, Customer Service, Horses, Gardening, Dance/Exercise
    Degree(s)/Certifications:
    M.Ed. focusing on Distance Education
    Certificate in Developing Distance Learning Courses
    B.A.Ed. in Physical Education with Dance & Gymnastics specialty
    Job Responsibilities:
    Department budgets; Internship/Jobs Program; Scholarships; Biology News (department newsletter); Policies.
  • Mark Paluch, M.S. Fisheries Biology
    Mark Paluch, M.S. Fisheries Biology
    Research Associate
    SCI 194
    Phone: 509-359-7498
  • John Shields
    John Shields
    Instruction & Classroom Support Technician 1
    SCI 286C
    Phone: 509.359.6868
  • Dana Stroud, M.S. Fisheries Biology
    Dana Stroud, M.S. Fisheries Biology
    Research Associate
    SCI 194
    Phone: 509-359-7498

    Eastern Since:
    2005
    Major Interests:
    Boating, population modeling, bioenergetics, ArcGIS, fisheries surgery techniques, spinning, road biking, experimental cooking,  music, digital SLR photography, family
    Degree(s)/Certifications:
    B.S. general biology  (2009), M.S. fisheries biology (2011), Coast Guard Boating Certified
    Major Responsibilities:
    Wild and hatchery kokanee monitoring at major tributaries; acoustic tracking of wild and hatchery kokanee and redband rainbow trout; supervising work-study, undergraduate and graduate researchers at the Fisheries Research Center; writing fisheries publications and annual reports; experimental design; scientific presentations; write grant proposals; train staff on field work, data collection and use of fisheries equipment.

  • Lisa Gaye Williams
    Lisa Gaye Williams
    Department Secretary
    SCI 258
    Phone: 509.359.7499
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