Major in Biology
Become a biologist • Prepare for your career • Make an impact
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
What are you looking for?
Become a biologist • Prepare for your career • Make an impact
As a biology major, JBU prepares you for various careers and graduate school in biology or professional school in health-related fields. You can train to work as a biologist in laboratory or field settings, and your program of study can be customized to serve your interests and career aspirations.
Start your applicationJBU students have access to the latest technology and equipment including a state-of-the-art Autoclave, a multi-species Greenhouse, a Tissue Culture Lab, a Microscopy Lab, a Human Cadaver Lab, and multiple teaching/research labs. Students will utilize these resources while learning to collaborate with others.
Work with faculty on their research initiatives or conduct your own undergraduate research projects to ultimately publish findings in regional or national scientific journals.
The demand for biologists continues to grow. Microbiologists have a median salary of $84,400. For more career outlook information, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
At JBU, biology students investigate diversity within the natural world through a distinctly Christian perspective.
Approximately 75% of JBU's biology students further their education in graduate or medical school.
Work with faculty on their research initiatives or conduct your own undergraduate research projects to ultimately publish findings in national scientific journals.
JBU students have access to labs with the latest technology and equipment including an aquarium, a greenhouse, a tissue culture lab, a microscope lab, small and large equipment labs, several research labs, multiple teaching labs and the Human Anatomy Cadaver Lab.
Dr. Qian (Angie) Wang came to John Brown University in 2017 as Assistant Professor of Biology. She teaches courses in Cell Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology.
Dr. Wang works with undergraduate students on her ongoing research in neural mechanisms underlying mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Working in her newly built and furnished lab, she currently uses rodent forced swimming test combining with fluorescent microscopy to measure the activities of interneurons during depression-like behavior and under the influence of antidepressants. The lab team is inspecting several brain regions involved in depression and anxiety.
The research students participate in presenting review mini-lectures, published papers and their own lab results. They are exposed to basic techniques in neuroscience such as animal behavior, brain slicing and fluorescent microscopy. Research students are also involved in experimental design and other brain-storming activities.
Dr. Wang uses her spare time to continue her studies in Theology and to play musical instruments. She also enjoys listening to classical music, reading, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends.
Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Tim Wakefield joined the faculty of John Brown University in 2000. Dr. Wakefield's courses include Biological Sciences, Honors Biology, Animal Biology, Marine Biology, Human Anatomy, Animal Physiology, Global Environmental Stewardship, and Faith and Science.
Dr. Wakefield's passion is marine biology. His marine biology class allows students to interact with marine life close-up during Spring Break lab trips to the Florida Keys. Dr. Wakefield also enjoys teaching classes focused on Marine Biology for the Au Sable Institute during the summer.
Before coming to JBU, while completing his Master's degree, Dr. Wakefield trained Atlantic Bottle Nosed Dolphins at World's of Fun in Kansas City Missouri. His experience in animal training also led to a job in professional dog training for four years.
Department Chair, Biology; Professor of Biology
Dr. Joel Funk came to John Brown University in 2009 as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Dr. Funk teaches courses including Biological Science, Ecology, Plant Biology, Virology, and Microbiology.
Dr. Funk's research focuses on how lung cells respond to infection by a coronavirus. Most respiratory coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory system, but his research has shown that they can also infect white blood cells that reside in the lung, alveolar macrophages. When these macrophages become infected they produce biochemical signals (cytokines) that aid in the immune response to a viral infection.
Biology caught Dr. Funk's interest because Biology is an almost endless frontier where the ability to discover is only limited by one's creativity. New technological advances have enhanced the ability of scientists to make huge strides in understanding the natural world. For example, in the area of microbiology, new DNA sequencing techniques have accelerated the ability to sequence genomes faster than ever before. This information can then in turn be used to discover new approaches to combating medical pathogens.
If he were not teaching at JBU, Dr. Funk would be interested in working for a Christian international development organization. His goal would be to use his scientific background to solve basic needs (food, clean water, shelter) that confront people in many parts of the world.
Professor of Biology
Mrs. Jane Beers began as an Instructor of Biology at John Brown University in 1998. Her current courses are Cell Biology, Biological Science, Honors Biological Science, Gateway.
Mrs. Beers loves challenging students to integrate faith and science. Her desire is to help students analyze scientific findings from a Christian world view and to understand the strengths and limitations of science. Mrs. Beers has co-authored writings on faith-learning integration.
Nature would still have been Mrs. Beers' career focus had she not become a professor. She might have combined her creativity and love for the natural world as a landscape designer.
Associate Professor of Biology
Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges 2019), JBU enrolls more than 2,100 students from 38 states and 53 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers 41 majors, with top programs including engineering, nursing, family and human services, biology, graphic design and construction management.