Faculty & Staff
Dr. Noah Anderson
Assistant Professor
Pasteur 242
507.457.72822
noah.anderson@winona.edu
Research Interests
Dr. Anderson’s research focuses on the intersection of herpetology, ecology, evolution and physiology. Research in his labs spans both field work and laboratory studies. His current research focuses on the growth and physiological performance of Boa constrictors.
Dr. Kimberly Bates
Professor
Pasteur 228
507.457.5458
KBates@winona.edu
Research Interests
Dr. Bates’ research examines the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in fur-bearing mammals. She also uses molecular techniques to determine the prevalence of Lyme disease in Ixodes ticks as well as the genetic relatedness of lungworm in different ruminants.
Mary Diekmann
Administrative Assistant
Pasteur 220
507.457.5270
MDiekmann@winona.edu
Dr. Kimberly Evenson
Professor
Pasteur 219
507.457.5287
KEvenson@winona.edu
Research Interests
Dr. Evenson’s research integrates organismal, physiological, and molecular approaches to answer questions related to plant microbe interactions, plant tissue culture for plant breeding, and plant responses to environmental stresses.
Dr. Casey Finnerty
Associate Professor
Pasteur 236
507.457.5855
CFinnerty@winona.edu
Research Interests
Pathobiology, entomology, structural biology, biological computing, analysis of baculovirus-host interactions, protein structure/function relationships, molecular evolution.
Dr. Mark Garbrecht
Professor
Pasteur 234
507.457.2261
MGarbrecht@winona.edu
Website
Research Interests
Research in Dr. Garbrecht’s lab focuses on the biology and metabolism of natural and synthetic glucocorticoids, as well as the impact of maternal and offspring diet on glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. In our lab, we utilize a mix of molecular, cellular, and animal model systems.
Dr. Chris Groen
Assistant Professor
Pasteur 226
507.457.5468
christopher.groen@winona.edu
Research Interests
Neurodegenerative Disorders, Peripheral Neuropathy, Pharmacogenomics, Regenerative Medicine, Drosophila Genetics
Dr. Peter Knopick
Director of MLS Program, Assistant Program
Pasteur 224
507.457.5271
peter.knopick@winona.edu
Research Interests
Dr. Peter Knopick is the Medical Laboratory Science program director. He teaches the clinical science courses for MLS majors and Microbiology 209. His research background involved using murine models to study immune responses towards cancer. Specifically, he continues to investigate augmenting T cell responses in solid tumors. His teaching approach uses examples from both clinical and research experiences to help prepare students for careers in healthcare.
Dr. Betsy Larson
Assistant Professor
Pasteur 238
507.457.2494
ELarson@winona.edu
Research Interests
Dr. Larson’s teaching interests include preparing Secondary Life Science Teachers through inquiry lab experiences, service learning and supportive advisor-advisee relationships. She enjoys working with students out-of-doors and in the lab, engaging them with evidence-based teaching strategies that help form analytical, highly-qualified biology teachers.
Dr. Osvaldo Martinez
Associate Professor
Pasteur 248
507.457.5277
OMartinez@winona.edu
Website
Research Interests
Research in Dr. Martinez’s lab focuses on studying host-pathogen interactions, specifically how Ebola and West Nile virus infect and deregulate human immune cells. The lab is also developing a novel virus-like particle vaccine. Furthermore, the lab is identifying new bacteria-killing phages and investigating their potential as therapeutics.
Dr. Neal Mundahl
Professor
Pasteur 250
507.457.5695
NMundahl@winona.edu
Website
Research Interests
Dr. Mundahl’s research centers on applied population and community ecology of fish, birds, and plants in regional streams, lakes, forests, and prairies. His work seeks to explain the impacts of human activities on the structure and function of natural systems.
Kay Pedretti
Laboratory Specialist
Pasteur 204
507.457.5288
KPedretti@winona.edu
Dr. Amy Runck
Department Chair, Associate Professor
Pasteur 230
507.457.5272
ARunck@winona.edu
Research Interests
Dr. Runck’s research combines field biology and molecular techniques in order to understand adaptations to changing environments. Current research projects include gene expression in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) and post-glacial speciation in red-backed voles (Myodes sp.).
Dr. Scott Segal
Professor
Pasteur 240
507.457.2594
SSegal@winona.edu
Research Interests
Research in Dr. Segal’s lab focuses on control of gene expression in response to physiological stresses, including glucose deprivation, and exposure to genotoxic agents. One such agent is Cr(VI), which is a common industrial byproduct and strong carcinogen. Upon exposure mRNA becomes translationally repressed, and can localize to P-bodies or Stress granules. My lab uses cytological, genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches in both yeast and mammalian systems to study these phenomena.
Erika Vail
Laboratory Specialist
SLC 277
507.457.2632
EVail@winona.edu
Dr. Ted Wilson
Professor
Pasteur 232
507.457.2485
TWilson@winona.edu
Website
Research Interests
Dr. Ted Wilson studies whether food health claims can be supported by measurable physiological changes. He studies pistachios, walnuts, low-carbohydrate diets, cranberries, cranberry juice, grape juice, creatine phosphate, eggplants, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and saber-toothed cats. He also investigates the physiological processes related to hypothermia, diabetes, obesity, and heart failure. He enjoys coffee, family, hunting, fishing, logging, and farming.