Dr. Sean Coleman
Associate Professor of Biology
B.A., Luther College
Ph.D., University of Iowa
Office: 222 Smith-Broyles Science Center
Phone: (479) 979-1364
E-Mail: scolema@ozarks.edu
Dr. Sean Coleman joined the Ozarks biology faculty in 2000. His graduate work at Iowa focused on how eukaryotic cells deal with oxidative stress -- the type of cellular stress which can lead to such things as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease in humans. This work in cellular biology and his continuing interest in how things work at the cellular level brings a new facet to the university's biology program. Dr. Coleman asks his students to take a serious look at biology-related issues and what they may mean to society as a whole, rather than just memorize facts. He says the small class sizes at Ozarks give him the ability to meet with his students on an individual basis and to tailor each class to fit the individuals. As a result, students who enroll in his classes will find that he takes time to interact with and get to know them on a personal basis -- something that is usually lacking in large undergraduate biology courses.
During one of Dr. Coleman's classes, you're likely to find yourself participating in an on-line discussion list or learning about new laboratory research methods. "I like to use technology in the classroom and use scientific research in labs as a learning tool," Dr. Coleman explains. "Biology, especially Biomedical research, is a field that is growing exponentially." He uses his classes to open up a window to the enormous possibilities that exist in the field of biology and encourages his students to look beyond their assignments and exams -- to learn how to think about how things in the biological world work together.
Dr. Coleman enjoys working with his computer when he's not in the classroom. He is currently developing a Biology Website for the Ozarks biology faculty to use in conjunction with their classes. In his spare time, he says he enjoys watching movies and especially enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer, and their dog, Decorah.
