Faculty Profile
David Kushner
(he/him/his)Professor of Biology (2003)
Contact Information
on sabbatical Spring 2025
Rector North Room 1302
717-245-1328
Bio
Prof. Kushner teaches courses in microbiology, virology, and RNA biology. His research combines genetics and cell and molecular biology with 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. Prof. Kushner also has led the development of curriculum guidelines for undergraduate virology courses, and currently is the co-Chair of the Education and Career Development Committee of the American Society for Virology (ASV) and serves on ASV Council.
Education
- B.S., Haverford College, 1993
- Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1998
2024-2025 Academic Year
Fall 2024
FYSM 100 First-Year Seminar
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces students to Dickinson as a "community of inquiry" by developing habits of mind essential to liberal learning. Through the study of a compelling issue or broad topic chosen by their faculty member, students will:
- Critically analyze information and ideas
- Examine issues from multiple perspectives
- Discuss, debate and defend ideas, including one's own views, with clarity and reason
- Develop discernment, facility and ethical responsibility in using information, and
- Create clear academic writing
The small group seminar format of this course promotes discussion and interaction among students and their professor. In addition, the professor serves as students' initial academic advisor. This course does not duplicate in content any other course in the curriculum and may not be used to fulfill any other graduation requirement.
BIOL 326 Microbiology w/Lab
Permission of Instructor Required