Department of Biological Sciences

Faculty

MICHAEL PYLE (2008)
  Professor of Biology; Associate Dean for the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
B.A., 1974, Indiana University
M.D., 1978, Indiana University School of Medicine
Surgery Residency, 1983, Michigan State, Grand Rapids campus

RANDAL JOHNSON (1986)
  Professor of Biology
B.A., 1976, Trinity College
M.S., 1982, Idaho State University
D.A., 1983, Idaho State University

GREGORY LONG (1995)
  Professor of Biology
B.S., 1984, Olivet Nazarene University
Ph.D., 1989, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

AGGIE VELD (2005)
  Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., 1982, University of Florida
M.Ed., 1988, University of Florida
Ph.D., 2012, Capella University

DANIEL SHARDA (2012)
  Associate Professor of Biology; Chair, Department of Biological Sciences
B.S., 2002, Calvin College
Ph.D., 2010, The Pennsylvania State University

RYAN HIMES (2015)
  Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., 2006, Wheaton College
Ph.D., 2015, Loyola University Chicago

DEREK ROSENBERGER (2016)
  Associate Professor of Biology
B.S., 2006, Messiah College
M.A., 2009, Taylor University
Ph.D., 2016, University of Minnesota

NICHOLAS TROENDLE (2019)
  Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S., 2009, Pepperdine University
M.S., 2012, Texas A & M University
Ph.D., 2016, University of Georgia

NICOLE VANDER SCHAAF (2020)
  Assistant Professor of Biology
B.S., 2013, Indiana Wesleyan University
Ph.D, 2020, Van Andel Institute Graduate School

The Department of Biological Sciences encompasses three distinct areas of study; Biology (BA and BS), Zoology (BS) and Environmental Science (BS). 

Biology degree candidates engage the field across a broad spectrum, from molecules to ecosystems. They enjoy exceptional success entering professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Others go on to graduate studies; research; forensics; industrial or healthcare laboratory positions; teaching in primary and secondary schools; field biology; applied ecology; and various areas of creation care.

The Zoology degree prepares students for various forms of animal care and study, including veterinary school, graduate school, animal field studies and management, animal and pet care, and animal outreach and education.

The Environmental Science degree is rigorous and provides strong preparation for graduate school in related fields as well as employment by industry and government.

Finally, the Department of Biological Sciences curriculum provides training for students fulfilling the general education requirements of the University and for students who desire to expand their knowledge and understanding of biological principles.

Biological knowledge arranges itself naturally according to levels of organization. Each level (molecular, cellular, individual, and ecological) has its own principles, techniques, and language. Biologists, zoologists and environmental scientists need experience with each level for the wealth of understanding that such training brings to the person’s own academic specialty.  Therefore, all majors in the Department of Biological Sciences take a sequence of courses designed to convey the body of knowledge which is essential to the undergraduate training of biologists regardless of their ultimate specialization.

For more detailed information on faculty, facilities, programs and career opportunities, visit the ONU website, contact the Office of Admissions, or the chair of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Programs

• Biology Major, B.A.
• Biology Major, B.S.
• Environmental Science Major, B.S.
• Science Education Major, B.S.
• Zoology Major, B.S.

• Biology Minor
• Biology Teaching Minor
• Zoology Minor