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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty


  • Department Chair

  • David B. Kushner
    Associate Professor of Biology (2003).
    Dana Hall Room 208
    kushnerd@dickinson.edu
    (717) 245-1328

  • Contributing Faculty

  • Thomas M. Arnold

    Thomas M. Arnold
    Associate Professor of Biology (2003).
    Dana Hall Room 210
    (717) 245-1319 | arnoldt@dickinson.edu | Visit Web Site
    B.A., St. Mary's College of Maryland, 1993; Ph.D., University of Delaware, 1998.

    Dr. Arnold is a biochemist and physiologist who studies natural toxins, pheromones, odors, and anti-microbials. He focuses on natural products found in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems, including seagrass communities, coral reefs, temperate forests, and agricultural fields.

  • Rebecca E. Connor

    Rebecca E. Connor
    Assistant Professor of Chemistry (2010).
    Stuart Hall - Rector Complex Room 2111
    (717) 245-1553 | connorr@dickinson.edu
    B.S., Carnegie Mellon University, 1999; Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, 2008.

  • R. David Crouch, Jr.

    R. David Crouch, Jr.
    Professor of Chemistry; Director of the Dickinson Science Program in Norwich, England, 2010-12 (1994).

    crouch@dickinson.edu | Visit Web Site
    B.A., Duke University, 1978; M.S., Shippensburg University, 1985; M.A., Johns Hopkins University, 1988; Ph.D., 1991.

    His research interests lie in the development and application of new organic synthetic methodology. Current work is focused on the development of a new alpha adrenergic agonist and continued investigations of new methods for selectively deprotecting silyl ethers. Another area of interest is the development of new organic chemistry exercises on the microscale and using microwave technology.

  • Kirsten A. Guss

    Kirsten A. Guss
    (on leave 2011-12)
    Associate Professor of Biology, John R. & Inge Paul Stafford Chair in Bioinformatics (2001).

    gussk@dickinson.edu
    B.A., Gettysburg College, 1989; Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University, 1997.

    Prof. Guss is interested in the molecular basis of development. Her research focuses on the role of the transcription factor scalloped during development of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Prof. Guss teaches the following courses in the biology program: 127: This is Your Life, 317: Genetics, 318: Animal Development, and 418: Developmental Genomics.

  • John H. Henson

    John H. Henson
    Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology (1989).
    James Hall - Rector Complex Room 1227
    (717) 245-1434 | henson@dickinson.edu
    B.A., University of Virginia, 1979; M.S., Florida State University, 1983; Ph.D., Harvard University, 1989.

    He teaches courses in cell biology, immunology, animal development, and marine science. His research program utilizes marine orgnisms as model experimental systems for studying basic aspects of cell structure and function, particularly how cells move and change shape.

  • Michael S. Holden

    Michael S. Holden
    Professor of Chemistry, Alfred Victor duPont Chair in Chemistry (1989).
    James Hall - Rector Complex Room 2225
    (717) 245-1481 | holden@dickinson.edu | Visit Web Site
    B.S., Allegheny College, 1980; Ph.D., Colorado State University, 1985.

    His interests are in the area of organotransitionmetal-mediated synthesis of organic compounds. Presently, his research is focusing on the development of new reactions involving an easily accessible organo-iron system. Another ongoing effort is the development of microscale laboratories for organotransitionmetal chemistry.

  • Kristi J. Humphreys

    Kristi J. Humphreys
    Assistant Professor of Chemistry (2007).
    Stuart Hall - Rector Complex Room 2113
    (717) 245-1975 | humphrek@dickinson.edu
    B.S., University of Washington, 1994; M.A., Johns Hopkins University, 1996; Ph.D., 2002.

    She is interested in the role of metal ions in biology as necessary cofactors, sources of damage, and pharmaceutical agents. Her research program focuses on oxidative damage to DNA by copper compounds with the goal of identifying the determinants responsible for substrate recognition and reactivity.

  • David B. Kushner

    David B. Kushner
    Associate Professor of Biology (2003).
    Dana Hall Room 208
    (717) 245-1328 | kushnerd@dickinson.edu | Visit Web Site
    B.S., Haverford College, 1993; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1998.

    He teaches courses in microbiology, virology, and RNA biology. His research combines genetics and cell and molecular and biology with modern genomic and bioinformatic approaches to understand interactions between viruses and their hosts, and also uses evolution-based approaches to understand the relationship between viral RNA sequence, structure, and function.

  • Michael P. Roberts

    Michael P. Roberts
    Associate Professor of Biology (1992).
    Dana Hall Room 205
    (717) 245-1201 | robertsm@dickinson.edu
    B.A., Colgate University, 1977; M.S., Miami University, 1979; Ph.D., Yale University, 1988.
    Ganoe Award for Inspirational Teaching, 2002-03.

    His research interests include the molecular mechanisms regulating the turn-on and -off of eukaryotic genes. Currently, he is studying the regulation of gene expression in human leukemia cells during differentiation. This project utilizes the methods of recombinant DNA and molecular biology.

  • Amy E. Witter

    Amy E. Witter
    (on leave Spring 2012)
    Associate Professor of Chemistry (1999).
    Stuart Hall - Rector Complex Room 2109
    (717) 245-1681 | witter@dickinson.edu | Visit Web Site
    B.A., Wellesley College, 1987; Ph.D., University of California at Davis, 1996.

    Her research interests lie in the areas of environmental and analytical chemistry. Current research involves the structural elucidation of glycoproteins found in marine bacteria, and the effects of urbanization on stream chemistry.