“I strive to help students better develop their critical thinking skills so they can apply what they have learned within and outside of the classroom. A top priority of mine is to use a diverse toolset to reach different types of learners so that all students are more likely to see connections between related material. I also have a passion for preparing students to communicate their scientific knowledge to others. One of the many reasons I love teaching biology is because of the ease with which it lends itself to multiple applications. Life is all around us!”

Title

Assistant Professor of Biology

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Indiana University – Bloomington, IN
• B.A., Indiana University – Bloomington, IN

Year Joined Franklin

2017

Expertise

Although my teaching expertise is in anatomy and physiology, my research has primarily focused on intracellular protein-protein interactions and the mechanisms that the cell uses to organize microtubules during mitosis. I have had much training in cell and molecular biology approaches, especially with fluorescence microscopy. The primary model systems I have used are tissue culture specimens (immortalized cancer and non-cancer cell lines) and the African tree frog Xenopus laevis.

I think I’d like to pursue a career in medicine, but I’d also like to explore alternative paths that would use my biology degree. What does Franklin College have to offer in support of this?

There are numerous career options for those interested in biology. I think Franklin College is unique in the amount of hands-on experience that is available to all students. For example, students can gain experience by participating in undergraduate research projects and by completing internships in their area of interest. Our faculty maintain excellent connections with local biotech companies that have been supportive of these internships, and the Immersive Term session allows for a unique opportunity to shadow a professional or gain experience in the field. Additionally, each one of our faculty specializes in advising at least one pre-health professional program and can provide insights to students interested in those paths.

The job market seems to be increasingly competitive. How can Franklin College help me to increase my marketability?

I think most employers are hoping to find well-rounded candidates with some job experience. To prepare students for this, our curriculum at Franklin College supports a wide range of academic growth. Furthermore, our small class sizes ensure our ability to interact with every student and get to know their interests. In this way, faculty are better able to assist students with finding opportunities for career development that match their future goals. We put experiential learning at the forefront so that passions can be discovered early and pursued throughout the undergraduate career.

Selected Professional Accomplishments

A.L. Yount, H. Zong, and C.E. Walczak (2015). Regulatory Mechanisms that Control Mitotic Kinesins. Exp. Cell Res., 334(1), 70-77. Review.

“Regulation of Microtubule Dynamics by the Kinesin-8 Kif18B,” Poster presentation at the American Society for Cell Biology, San Diego, CA, December, 2015.

J.R. Stout, A.L. Yount, J.A. Powers, S.C. Ems-McClung, C. LeBlanc, and C.E. Walczak (2011). Kif18B Interacts with EB1 and Controls Microtubule Organization during Mitosis. Mol. Biol. Cell, 22(17), 3070-80.

In My Spare Time…

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, gardening, and scuba diving.