School of Sciences. Instruction for the future

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1 School of Sciences Instruction for the future

2 dramatic growth Lindenwood University has experienced dramatic enrollment growth over the past two decades from 3,500 students in to just over 16,000 currently. The School of Sciences has played a critical role in that growth. However, the institution s growth isn t measured just in student population; it is evident in Lindenwood s reach across the St. Louis region with numerous vibrant campus locations; it can be seen in an endowment that has climbed from $500,000 to more than $100 million; and it is undeniable in the job market, where 2,700 graduates annually become valuable employees in St. Louis, throughout the state, and all around the world. Lindenwood s teaching-focused faculty members are among the best in their respective fields. The University s growing alumni base is spread across the United States, and more than 15,000 live and work in the St. Louis region. Dr. James D. Evans President of Lindenwood University Lindenwood has come to stand for growth, value, and reinvestment in the St. Louis region, said James D. Evans, PhD, President of Lindenwood University. 2

3 School of sciences FACULTY

4 excellent leadership Welcome to the Lindenwood University School of Sciences The School of Science consists of three divisions. They are the division of biology, chemistry, and earth sciences; the division of mathematics, computer science, physics, and pre-engineering; and the division of social and behavioral sciences. As a school, we have experienced an extraordinary amount of growth over the past five years. We continue to expand our degree offerings to better serve our students as they prepare to seek careers in a highly competitive global market. The School of Sciences faculty includes 36 full-time professors, 92 percent of whom possess terminal degrees. Our programs include emphases that represent the most desirable fields within various disciplines, including actuarial studies in mathematics, biochemical and forensic studies in chemistry, and environmental biology. Students benefit from instruction in these disciplines using the best blend of classroom lectures, practical laboratory work, seminars, presentations, independent research, and internship opportunities. Many of our graduates go on to pursue master s or doctoral degrees in their field, or receive professional training at medical, dental, chiropractic, or pharmacy schools. Dean Ricardo Delgado 4

5 Why the Lindenwood School of Sciences? Students are provided with a combination of classroom instruction and practical experiences that prepare them for careers in their fields. First-rate faculty with advanced degrees and extensive professional experience guide students through curriculum. Graduates of the Lindenwood School of Sciences are confident in their knowledge and in the education they have received under the supervision of professors who are committed to excellence. Students gain hands-on experience through the use of current equipment, techniques, and instrumentation within updated laboratory facilities. School of Sciences Degree Programs Undergraduate Degrees in: Division of Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences BA Biology BA Environmental Biology BA Biology with Unified Science Certification BA Biology with Secondary Ed. Certification BS in Biology BA in Chemistry BA in Chemistry with a Concentration in Forensics BA in Chemistry with Unified Science Certification BA in Chemistry with Certification in Education BS in Chemistry BS in Chemistry with Concentration in Biochemistry BS in Chemistry with Certification in Education Division of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Pre-Engineering BA in Computer Science BS in Computer Science BS in Computer Information Systems BA in Mathematics BA in Mathematics with Actuarial Studies Emphasis BA in Mathematics with Secondary Certification BS in Mathematics Program in Pre-Engineering Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences BA in Psychology BA in Sociology BA in Anthropology 5

6 The Division of Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences The Division of Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences (BCES) offers outstanding degree programs in biology and chemistry. This includes many of the highly desirable careers of the current job market, including forensic science, biochemistry, and environmental biology. The BCES division also offers a certification in education program for those interested in serving as secondary education instructors. Many of our graduates in this division have earned graduate and doctoral degrees in their fields or successfully applied to dental, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary schools. The featured personnel represent a staff of more than 13 full-time professors employed within the school s division of biology, chemistry, and earth sciences. The Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences The Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) offers undergraduate degree programs in anthropology, psychology, and sociology. These areas of focus provide different perspectives for understanding human behavior and the range of factors that influence it. Students acquire skills in key areas including problem-solving, critical thinking, information-gathering and synthesizing, interpersonal and intrapersonal knowledge, and research and statistical reasoning. Many of our students pursue graduate studies in areas such as anthropology, archaeology, psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, law, and business. Others commonly enter careers in human services, business, cultural resource management, museum administration, healthcare, education, and criminal justice. The featured personnel represent a staff of more than seven full-time professors employed within the school s division of social and behavioral sciences. The Division of Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Pre-Engineering The Division of Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Pre-engineering (MCPE) offers undergraduate degree programs in mathematics, computer science, and computer information systems. A minor in engineering physics and two-plus-two programs in engineering are also offered. Mathematics degrees can be paired with coursework leading to certification in secondary education, which allows their bearers to teach mathematics in public high schools. Mathematics majors can expect to find work in the fields of education, systems analysis and design, systems and networks operation, pension consulting and risk analysis, computer simulations, statistical analysis, engineering, law, and economics. Computer science and computer information systems majors can expect to seek employment in jobs ranging from design and development of commercial systems to the development of virtual reality and computer graphic programs. Other possibilities include telecommunications, virtual reality training and entertainment, Internet commerce and information dissemination, and robotics. The featured personnel represent a staff of more than 10 full-time professors employed within the school s division of mathematics, science, physics, and pre-engineering. 6

7 Dr. April Bednarski April Bednarski has a background in biochemistry and teaches general chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biochemistry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from the University of Iowa and a doctoral degree from the University of Michigan. Her research interests include determining the mechanisms of folate-utilizing enzymes and incorporating the use of bioinformatics tools into curriculum. Dr. John Cawly John Cawly earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a doctorate in plant pathology and microbiology from the University of Missouri. He specializes in the study of plant viruses and teaches microbiology and introductory biology as elective courses. He also offers undergraduate research opportunities through Lindenwood s glade restoration project at the Historic Daniel Boone Home and Heritage Center. Dr. Steve J. Dasovich Steve Dasovich is an anthropological archaeologist who currently teaches courses on cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, introduction to archaeology, cultural resource management, and native North American Indians. He also oversees Lindenwood s archaeological field school and directs the archaeology laboratory. Dasovich holds an undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota, a master s degree from Florida State University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Missouri. His specialties include underwater, historical, and northern plain archaeology. Dr. Christopher Scribner Christopher Scribner is a clinical psychologist who teaches various special topic courses in abnormal psychology. He earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Earlham College and a doctoral degree in clinical psychology with an emphasis in psychotherapy from the University of Tennessee. He completed his clinical internship at Temple University Health Sciences Center and later served as a clinical faculty member in the Temple University School of Medicine s psychiatry and psychology division. His interests cover psychopathology, diagnostic systems, depression, psychotherapy, and the creative process. Dr. John Hauck John Hauck earned an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from Saint Louis University, a master s degree in physics from Georgia Tech, and a doctorate from the University of Missouri. His research focus is general relativity as it relates to non-local theory and quantum mechanics. He teaches physics, engineering circuits, statics, and engineering dynamics. Dr. Robbie Beane Robbie Beane earned undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in mathematics from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. His background is in the fields of topology and discrete dynamical systems, but he is interested in many areas of mathematics. He is enthusiastic about teaching and inspiring student interest in mathematics. 7

8 Practical experiences Students in the School of Sciences have the opportunity to learn about their chosen fields of interest through laboratory experiences and involvement in internships and independent research courses. Biology, chemistry, and psychology students are presented with several options regarding independent and field research projects. By working with professors to engage in meaningful research, students can publish their work and deliver presentations at local and national conferences. Internships are part of the required coursework for some chemistry majors and take place in settings such as crime labs, local breweries, and chemical supply companies. Computer science internships include work in the areas of web development, geographical information systems, and graphic design, while mathematics majors also often become involved in undergraduate research that leads to presentations at local conferences. Psychology practicums offer students the opportunity to apply and enhance classroom learning as well as gain professional experience by completing service at community agencies. Students have completed practicums at sites such as St. Louis Crisis Nursery, the Alzheimer s Association of Greater St. Louis, and Missouri First Steps Early Intervention. 8

9 UPDATED FACILITIES The School of Sciences is housed in Young Hall on the campus of Lindenwood University. Built in 1965, the facility has been completely renovated to accommodate the needs of each discipline. Students have access to the most contemporary instrumentation as they learn techniques necessary for their chosen fields. A spacious new computer science classroom and secondary computer lab utilize smart technologies, while recently updated laboratories provide modern equipment. Young Hall also features redesigned classrooms that are conducive to both lecture and conversational-based teaching methods. Rooms feature configurable tables that can be arranged in rows as in a traditional classroom, but can also be repositioned to create a hospitable forum for discussion. The latter format allows students to easily see and interact with each other. Sound-dampening features reduce echoes and ambient noise, making it easier for comments to be shared. 9

10 Alumni Support School of Sciences alumni find themselves well prepared for the rigors and responsibilities of further academic study or employment within their fields of interest. Graduates maintain close connections with each other beyond graduation. Former students are often crucial in aiding recent graduates with job placement in academic and industrial positions. With comprehensive skill sets and a solid professional network of graduates, Lindenwood alumni serve as fine examples of the excellent scientists produced through the School of Sciences. Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, and Pre-Engineering Maxim Pastchenko graduated from Lindenwood University in May 2005 with undergraduate degrees in computer science and mathematics. He currently works in Redlands, Calif., as a graphics engine team product engineer for ESRI, a company that designs and develops the world s leading geographic information system (GIS) technology. Social and Behavioral Science Dr. Noelle Fearn earned undergraduate degrees in sociology and criminal justice from Lindenwood University in She currently serves as an associate professor and graduate faculty member in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Saint Louis University. Fearn has published numerous technical reports and publications and served as a principle investigator for key grant and fellowship projects. She has won several professional awards, including being featured in the 2010 honors edition of Who s Who Among Executives and Professional Women. Biology, Chemistry, and Earth Science Rachel Freeman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in While attending Lindenwood, she also volunteered at junior high school and high school science Olympiads. She continues to encourage students to pursue careers in science by volunteering as a judge for annual Missouri Junior Academy of Science competitions. Freeman is currently employed as a hardware quality engineer for The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Mo. 10

11 ASSOCIATIONS WITH COMMUNITY The School of Sciences Natural Science Club is dedicated to fostering friendships and mentoring relationships that help students learn about career options in the natural sciences. The organization hosts a variety of speakers, including Lindenwood University alumni, professionals, and graduate school admissions counselors. Volunteer activities undertaken by the club include stream cleaning initiatives, tree planting on the Lindenwood campus, and fundraisers for nonprofit organizations. The club also sponsors social activities for students, including movie nights, barbecues, and visits to local attractions. The Psychology Interest Club promotes awareness of behavioral and social sciences through community engagement and campus services. Members host workshops and guest speakers that focus on career preparation, wellness, and mental health topics. The club also participates in community service projects. The Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics and Pre-Engineering Club annually hosts a mathematics contest sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. In addition, members also regularly host guest speakers on campus. 11

12 SCHOOL OF Sciences VISION AND MISSION The School of Sciences supports the mission of Lindenwood University by: offering professional and pre-professional degree programs; aiding students in the development of skills and talents through independent research and internship opportunities; fostering adaptive thinking and problem-solving skills through the use of inquiry-based laboratory and field experiences; getting students involved in numerous projects and programs that benefit the community; and offering general education courses that enable all students to connect science with their daily lives. School of Sciences 209 S. Kingshighway, Young Hall Saint Charles, Mo lindenwood.edu/sciences Values-centered liberal arts education preparing students for life