Biology

At Adrian, biology is hands-on. You'll receive a broad and strong foundation in biology while also learning about cutting-edge developments in the field.

Adrian biology students are well-rounded and have achieved careers in almost every conceivable area. The department prepares them for careers with the DNR, the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and for industrial and research institutions. Biology is also an excellent major for students interested in the Pre-health science program.

Professors in the biology department have diverse backgrounds in the field of biology:

• Dr. James Leslie
  Teaches: Animal Biology, Immunology, Physiology, Genetics, Conservation Biology, and Molecular Genetics.
  Current Research: Genetic analysis of milkweed bug populations using mitochondrial DNA.
  Techniques: biochemical genetics; polymerase chain reaction; DNA fingerprinting; cloning, including making E. coli glow in the dark.
  
• Dr. Jim Martin (Biology club advisor)
  Teaches: Biology and Society, Invertebrate Zoology, Parasitology, Entomology, Aquatic Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Behavior
  Current Research: Social insect biology and ecology, invertebrate ecology
  Techniques: GPS/GIS; protein/lipid/carbohydrate extraction; statistical skills
  
• Dr. Janet Salzwedel (Chair, Pre-Med Advisor, & Tae Kwon Do Instructor)
  Teaches: Plant Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell and Tissue Culture, Molecular Cell Biology
  Current Research: Using Egyptian bacteria to promote the growth of rice.
  Techniques: photomicroscopy; tissue culture
  
• Dr. Craig Weatherby
  Teaches: Ecology, Mammalogy, Herpetology, Ornithology, & Ichthyology
  Current Research: Study of African tortoises and snakes and study of Michigan turtles.
  Techniques: GPS/GIS; sonograph; radio telemetry