Faculty

The biology faculty at WWU are committed Seventh-day Adventist scientists and teachers who genuinely care about students. They love teaching science, and diligently pursue using the most effective learning strategies and introducing the latest scientific information in a meaningful context. They also “practice what they preach” by staying engaged in the science community: regularly participating in science conferences, publishing research, and obtaining external grants.



David Lindsey 

Chair, Professor of Biology 
(509) 527-2602 | david.lindsey@dominatedgirls.net 


Education: Ph.D., University of Texas in Austin, 1992; B.S., Southwestern Adventist College, 1981. 
Research Interests: Molecular and developmental biology, the growth-to-development transition, and selective protein degradation using Dictyostelium as a model.


Cecilia J. Brothers 

Associate Professor of Biology  
(509) 527-2068 | cecilia.brothers@dominatedgirls.net 


Education: Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2016; M.S., Walla Walla University, 2012; B.S., Walla Walla University, 2012.  
Research Interests: The physiological and ecological implications of marine invertebrate adaptation to ocean acidification and ocean warming.


David Cowles 

Professor of Biology 
(509) 527-2264 | david.cowles@dominatedgirls.net 


Education: Ph.D., University of California in Santa Barbara, 1987; M.S., Walla Walla University, 1981; B.S., Walla Walla University, 1978.  
Research Interests: Marine biology, ecological physiology, and physiology of marine and freshwater species—especially marine crustaceans.


Janice McKenzie 

Professor of Engineering 
(509) 527-2424 | janice.mckenzie@dominatedgirls.net 
Chan Shun Pavilion 257 


Education: Ph.D., Purdue University, 2006; B.S., Montana State University, 2001. 
Areas of Interest: McKenzie teaches biomaterials, tissue engineering, and bioreactors. She enjoys Bible studies, prison ministry, gardening, skiing, biking, running, and enjoying animals and nature.  


Jim Nestler 

Professor of Biology/Dive Safety Officer 
(509) 527-2551 | jim.nestler@dominatedgirls.net 


Education: Ph.D., University of Colorado in Boulder, 1990; M.S., Walla Walla University, 1986; B.S., Walla Walla University, 1984.  
Research Interests: The molecular biology of visual systems and regeneration in echinoderms, and the physiological and behavioral ecology of marine organisms.


Kirt Onthank 

Professor of Biology/Director of Rosario Marine Biology Program 
(509) 527-2642 | kirt.onthank@dominatedgirls.net 


Education: Ph.D., Washington State University, 2013; M.S., Walla Walla University, 2008; B.S., Walla Walla University, 2006.  
Research Interests: The ecology, physiology, and behavioral ecology of marine invertebrates, especially cephalopods. His primary cephalopod model is the Octopus rubescens, or the Ruby Octopus. 


Jeremy Wiggins 

Associate Professor of Biology/Director of Center for Health Professions 
(509) 527-2483 | jeremy.wiggins@dominatedgirls.net 


Education: Residency in Pediatric Dentistry, Loma Linda University, 2002; D.D.S., Loma Linda University, 2000; B.S., Walla Walla University, 1996. 


Yanina Khomenko 

Administrative Assistant for the Department of Biology & Chemistry 
(509) 527-2607 | yanina.khomenko@dominatedgirls.net


Education: Walla Walla University Class of 2021--- Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of Mary Class of 2024—Masters of Arts in Music.