Mark McDonald, Ph. D. Associate Professor of Biology mcdonaldm@bethanylb.edu    Ext. 8201 Biology

I have had the pleasure of teaching at Bethany College since 1996. A Bethany College graduate (1991), I received my Ph.D. in Ecology and Systematics from Kansas State University in 1996. I then had the opportunity to return to Bethany as a faculty member. The characteristics that make Bethany a great place to be a student are also the things that make Bethany a great place to be a faculty member; the opportunity to work closely with students and colleagues, the opportunity to get to know students personally, and the sense of community that comes from studying, working, and living in a small college.

One of the many challenges, and pleasures, of teaching at a small college is the diversity of courses each faculty member must teach. In addition to teaching Introductory Biology, I also teach microbiology, genetics, botany, and ecology, all of which are courses designed for science majors. I also teach two general education courses, earth science and environmental science. Teaching such a diversity of courses is challenging, but is rewarding in that a breadth of knowledge is developed.

When not in the classroom, field, or office, I spend time at home or travel with my wife Angie, an elementary special education teacher. I also have a passion for cooking, and Angie and I enjoy entertaining students, friends, and colleagues in our home.