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@wallawalla.edu
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@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2016; M.S., Walla Walla University, 2012; B.S., Walla Walla University, 2010.
Research Interests: The physiological and ecological implications of marine invertebrate adaptation to ocean acidification and ocean warming.
Matthew Williams
Associate Professor of Biology
(509) 527-2433 | matthew.williams@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D., The University of Adelaide, 2022; M.A., The Australian National University 2017; B.A., Macquarie University 2014.
Research Interests: The use of ancient DNA and population genetics to elucidate the history and processes that shaped contemporary genetic and biological diversity–to learn more about our research visit our lab website.
Shelley Reich
Assistant Professor of Biology
(509) 527-2482 | shelley.reich@wallawalla.edu
Education: Ph.D., University of Utah, 2025; M.S., Walla Walla University, 2015; B.S. Andrews University, 2013.
Research Interests: Genetic and molecular regulation of phenotypic plasticity in the nematode Pristionchus pacificus and nematode diversity and adaptation across the Pacific Northwest.
Kirt Onthank
Professor of Biology/Director of Rosario Marine Biology Program
(509) 527-2642 |kirt.onthank@wallawalla.edu
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@wallawalla.edu
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 and Chemistry
(509) 527-2607 |yanina.khomenko@wallawalla.edu
Education: Walla Walla University Class of 2021--- Bachelor of Arts in Music, University of Mary Class of 2024—Masters of Arts in Music.