Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
CUW’s biochemistry program is organically interdisciplinary as the curriculum includes coursework in general, organic, analytical, physical and biochemistry in addition to general, advanced, and molecular biology all while being supported by calculus and physics courses.
The awe of biology and the how of chemistry combine in biochemistry
Each and every day chemistry is happening and is responsible for amazing biological processes such as turning the food we eat into usable energy so we can walk, run, or simply breathe. Biochemistry provides the underlying physical answers to questions like, “How are our tears designed to help prevent eye infections?” and “How do babies in the womb obtain oxygen from the mother?” So if you have a natural curiosity and appreciation for what makes up God’s creation, you might find yourself most in your element pursuing a degree in this field.
- Physician’s Assistant
- Medical Doctor
- Researcher
The average undergraduate student award is $23,395.
Learn about financial aidPrepares you for in-demand careers
Please note there is a chemistry placement exam that you will need to take before you start your biochemistry sequence.
Undergraduate Application Steps
For first-time freshmen and transfer students:
- Complete our online application
- Provide Official High School Transcripts (college transcripts, if applicable)
Optionally, high school seniors may provide their ACT score.
Jordan Patrick Beck
Ph.D.
Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4267
Bio
I am a professor of chemistry at Condordia University Wisconsin. My areas of specialty are physical chemistry and chemical education.
Education
- Ph D - Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2011)
- BS - Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2005)
Contributions
- Sem, D. & Beck, J. Academic Freedom in Private Religious Universities.
- Beck, J. & Miller, D. (2022). Encouraging Student Engagement by Using a POGIL Framework for a Gas-Phase IR Physical Chemistry Laboratory Experiment. Journal of Chemical Education. https://doi.org/1...
- Beck, J., Muniz, M., Crickmore, C. & Sizemore, L. (2020). Physical chemistry students' navigation and use of models to predict and explain molecular vibration and rotation. (2 ed., vol. 21, pp. 597-607). Chemistry Education Research and Practice.
- Muniz, M., Crickmore, C., Kirsch, J. & Beck, J. (2018). Upper-division chemistry students’ navigation and use of quantum chemical models. (19 ed., vol. 2018, pp. 767). Chemistry Education Research and Practice.
- Beck, J., Gaigeot, M. & James, L. (2013). Anharmonic vibrations of N-H in Cl-(N-methylacetamide)1(H2O)0-2Ar2 cluster ions. Combined IRPD experiments and BOMD simulations. (39 ed., vol. 15, pp. 16736-16745). Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
Presentations
- Miller, D. & Beck, J. (2024). Engaging students in scientific practices using the POGIL-PCL framework. Oral Presentation. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education . University of Kentucky.
- Beck, J. (2024). Introducing physical chemistry students to FRET using a POGIL-PCL experiment. Oral Presentation. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education . University of Kentucky.
- Beck, J. (2022). Encouraging student engagement in scientific practices through a gas-phase IR POGIL physical chemistry laboratory experiment . Oral Presentation. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education . Purdue University.
- Beck, J. (2019). Upper-division chemistry students' navigation and use of quantum chemical models. Oral Presentation. CUW Faculty Research Seminar. CUW.
Research Interests
- Chemical Eduation
- Computational Chemistry
Teaching Interests
- Physical Chemistry
- General Chemistry
Katherine Anne Bichler
Ph.D.
Professor
Office: Loeber Hall 012A
Phone: (262) 243-4426
Bio
Dr. Bichler did her undergraduate work at Carroll College, a private institution similar to CUW, and majored in chemistry with minors in biology and German. She then completed her Ph.D. in bioorganic chemisry at Northwestern University and has been teaching chemistry ever since.
Education
- Ph D - Chemistry, Northwestern University (1994)
- BS - Chemistry, Carroll College (1990)
Contributions
- Lewandowski, N., Bichler, K., Fisher, L., Sullivan, B., Korman, M., Paz, E., Imhoff, A. & , . (2020). Process Development of the Weiss−Cook Reaction for the Preparation of cis-1,5-Dimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,7-dione in the Undergraduate Organic Laboratory. In Tom Holme (Ed.), (10 ed., vol. 97, pp. 3835-3838). On-Line: Journal of Chemical Education. https://pubs.acs....
- McGraw, J., Bichler, K. & Cherney, M. The Relative Role of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 in Eplerenone Metabolism. Mequon.
Presentations
- Switzer, J., Hoefs, M., Bichler, K. & McGraw, J., (2020). Palmitoyl Asparagine Synthesis and Analysis. Poster. Spring 2020 National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Philadelphia, PA (cancelled due to COVID).
Research Interests
- Laboratory Pedogogy
- CYP 450 Metabolism
Teaching Interests
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Joseph B. Fisher
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Siebert Hall SH007C
Phone: (262) 243-4584
Bio
After obtaining a BS from SNC and a PhD from MCW I did 6 years of postdoctoral research, and have been teaching for the last 7 years. Since joining the faculty at CUW I have instructed Anatomy and Physiology, Molecular Biology, Science and Humanity and I also serve as the Pre-Health Vocations Coordinator.
Education
- Ph D - Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin (2010)
- BS - Biology, Saint Norbert College (2004)
Contributions
- Meyer, A., Stelloh, C., Pulakanti, K., Burns, R., Fisher, J., Heimbruch, K., Tarima, S., Furumo, Q., Brennan, J., Zheng, Y., Viny, A., Vassiliou, G. & Rao, S. (2022). Combinatorial genetics reveals the Dock1-Rac2 axis as a potential target for the treatment of NPM1;Cohesin mutated AML. In Georg Kaimann (Ed.), (8 ed., vol. 36, pp. 2032–2041). Online: Leukemia. https://pubmed.nc...
- Heimbruch, K., Fisher, J., Stelloh, C., Phillips, E., Reimer, M., Wargolet, A., Meyer, A., Pulakanti, K., Viny, A., Loppnow, J., Levine, R., , ., Pulikkan, J., Zhu, N. & Rao, S. (2021). DOT1L inhibitors block abnormal self-renewal induced by cohesin loss. In George Garinis (Ed.), (7288 ed., vol. 11(1), pp. 12). Scientific Reports. https://pubmed.nc...
- Meyer, A., Rao, S. & Fisher, J. (2017). Cohesin mutations: contributors to myeloid malignancies. (46 ed., vol. 8, pp. 80107-80108). Oncotarget.
- Fisher, J., Pulakanti, K., Rao, S. & Duncan, S. (2017). GATA6 is essential for endoderm formation from human pluripotent stem cells.. (7 ed., vol. 6, pp. 1084-1095). Biology Open.
- Fisher, J., McNulty, M., Burke, M., Crispino, J. & Rao, S. (2017). Cohesin Mutations in Myeloid Malignancies.. (4 ed., vol. 3, pp. 282-293). Trends in Cancer.
Research Interests
- Mechanisms that cause acute myeloid leukemia
- Biology of DNA mutations
Teaching Interests
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Molecular Genetics
Kurt D. Kolander
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: Siebert Hall SH007D
Phone: (262) 243-4386
Education
- Ph D - Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin (2014)
- BS - Biology, Wisconsin Lutheran College (2006)
Contributions
- Mitzelfelt, K., McDermott-Roe, C., Grzybowski, M., Marquez, M., Kuo, C., Riedel, M., Lai, S., Choi, M., Kolander, K., Helbling, D., Dimmock, D., Battle, M., Jou, C., Tristani-Firouzi, M., Verbsky, J., Benjamin, I. & Geurts, A. (2017). Efficient Precision Genome Editing in iPSCs via Genetic Co-targeting with Selection.. (3 ed., vol. 8, pp. 491-499). Stem cell reports.
- Mitzelfelt, K., Limphong, P., Choi, M., Kondrat, F., Lai, S., Kolander, K., Kwok, W., Dai, Q., Grzybowski, M., Zhang, H., Taylor, G., Lui, Q., Thao, M., Hudson, J., Barresi, R., Bushby, K., Jungbluth, H., Wraige, E., Geurts, A., Benesch, J., Riedel, M., Christians, E., Minella, A. & Benjamin, I. (2016). The Human 343delT HSPB5 Chaperone Associated with Early-onset Skeletal Myopathy Causes Defects in Protein Solubility.. (29 ed., vol. 291, pp. 14939-53). The Journal of biological chemistry.
- Kolander, K., Holtz, M., Cossette, S., Duncan, S. & Misra, R. (2014). Epicardial GATA factors regulate early coronary vascular plexus formation. (1 ed., vol. 386, pp. 204-215). Developmental Biology. http://dx.doi.org...
Presentations
- Kolander, K. (2018). Investigating the Oxidative/Reductive Stress Spectrum with iPS-Cardiomyocytes.. Oral Presentation. Department Seminar Series. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
- Kolander, K., Holtz, M., Cossette, S., Stephen, D. & Ravi, M., (2014). Epicardial GATA factors regulate coronary endothelial migration via Sonic hedgehog signaling. Oral Presentation. 8th Annual Wisconsin Stem Cell Symposium: Cell-Based Therapy for Heart and Vascular Disease. Madison, WI.
- Kolander, K., Holtz, M., Cossette, S., Stephen, D. & Ravi, M., (2013). Epicardial GATA factors regulate coronary endothelial migration via Sonic hedgehog signaling. Oral Presentation. Weinstein Cardiovascular Development Conference. Chicago, IL.
Research Interests
- Cardiac Development
- Gene Editing
Teaching Interests
- Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
Thomas John Saleska
Ph.D.
Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4258
Bio
Tom Saleska teaches General Biology, General Science and Science Education Methods. His scholarship interests focus on techniques that improve teaching and learning.
Education
- Ph D - Urban Education, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (2000)
- MA - Science education, University of Houston (1983)
- BA - Science education, Concordia River Forest (1979)
- Science education, St. John's Lutheran Junior College (1977)
Contributions
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2021). "Teaching Lessons from the Pandemic: What to Keep and What to Leave Way Behind. " In Jon Crylen <jon.crylen@magnapubs.com> (Ed.), No. Madison WI: Teaching Professor. https://www.teach...
Presentations
- Lovern, S. & Saleska, T. (2023). Teaching A&P with the Brain in Mind: Examples and Strategies. Oral Presentation. HAPS Central Regional Meeting. Madison, WI.
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2023). Teaching Science with the Brain in "Mind". Oral Presentation. Concordia Summit for Lutheran Teachers. 12800 N. Lake Shore Dr. Mequon WI.
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2019). Lecture is Not a Dirty Word: Strategies that transform lectures into Dynamic Learning experiences. Oral Presentation. Lilly Conference. Miami OH.
- Saleska, T. & Lovern, S. (2017). How Can I Encourage Students to Connect with Course Content After Class?. Oral Presentation. Magna 20 Minute Mentor Video Production. Madison WI.
- Lovern, S. & Saleska, T. (2017). How can I get my students to think and understand before class begins?: Brain-friendly pre-class preparation for your students. Oral Presentation. Magna 20 Minute Mentor Video Production. Madison, WI.
Research Interests
- Strategies that transform lectures into dynamic learning experiences
- Active instruction
Teaching Interests
- Biology
- Curriculum and Methods of Science Teaching
Justin Speck
Ph.D., MB(ASCP)
Associate Professor
Office: Loeber Hall 020
Phone: (262) 243-4377
Education
- Ph D - Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (2015)
- BS - Biological Sciences, Bethel University (2004)
Presentations
- Moore, H., Speck, J., Schmitz, M. & McGraw, J., (2024). Colonizing Farmed Walleye with Omega-3 Fatty Acid Producing Bacteria. . Oral Presentation. Milwaukee-area Undergraduate Biological Research Conference. Concordia Center Environmental Stewardship.
- Mikkelson, N., Speck, J., Schmitz, M. & McGraw, J., (2024). Identification and Isolation of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Producting Bacteria from Walleye. Poster. Milwaukee-area Undergraduate Biological Research Conference. Concordia Center Environmental Stewardship.
- Ball, P., Speck, J., Schmitz, M. & McGraw, J., (2023). Omega-3 Fatty Acid Synthesis in Bacterial Isolates of Walleye Gastrointestinal Tracts. Poster. Milwaukee-area Undergraduate Biological Research Conference. Wisconsin Lutheran College.
- Wardenburg, C., Olson Hartwig, O. & Speck, J., (2022). Complete Genome Sequence of a New Genus of β-Proteobacteria Isolated from Solanum tuberosum Baby Potatoes. Poster. UW-System Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly & Creative Activity. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Research Interests
- Role of sulfur metabolism in effective plant-microbe interactions
Teaching Interests
- Microbiology
- Medical Microbiology
Dylan J. Thompson
Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-2019
Bio
Dr. Thompson is an Inorganic Chemist and has been teaching at CUW since obtaining his Ph.D. from Purdue university in 2014.
Education
- Ph D - Purdue University (2014)
- BS - Chemistry, Hillsdale College (2009)
- CueNET (2018)
Contributions
- Thompson, D. (2019). Science and the Church Militant. Athanatos Publishing Group.
Presentations
- Thompson, D. (2021). The Nature of Truth, Connecting Faith and Science: An Active Learning Exercise. Oral Presentation. CCLE XXI .
Research Interests
- Catalysis with polyoxometalate catalysts
Teaching Interests
- Discussing Faith and Science
Rochelle Mary Van Hart
PhD
Associate Professor
Phone: (262) 243-4495
Education
- Ph D - Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2009)
- MS - Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2003)
- BS - Biology, Mount Mary University (2001)
Contributions
- Lovern, S. & VanHart, R. (2022). Impact of Oxytetracycline exposure on the digestive system microbiota of Daphnia magna . San Francisco, California: PLOS ONE. https://doi.org/1...
Scott Van Ornum
Ph.D.
Department Chair - Physical Sciences, Professor
Office: Loeber Hall 010
Phone: (262) 243-4488
Bio
Dr. Scott Van Ornum teaches Organic Chemistry I and II and Advanced Organic Chemistry. He is the Director of Concordia’s Master of Science in Product Development program where he teaches courses related to process chemistry. His research interests include the synthesis of polyquinanes via the Pauson-Khand reaction and synthesis of neuromuscular blocking compounds.
Education
- Ph D - Organic Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1998)
- BS - Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1992)
Contributions
- Lewandowski, N., Bichler, K., Fisher, L., Sullivan, B., Korman, M., Paz, E., Imhoff, A. & , . (2020). Process Development of the Weiss−Cook Reaction for the Preparation of cis-1,5-Dimethylbicyclo[3.3.0]octane-3,7-dione in the Undergraduate Organic Laboratory. In Tom Holme (Ed.), (10 ed., vol. 97, pp. 3835-3838). On-Line: Journal of Chemical Education. https://pubs.acs....
Research Interests
- Polyquinanes via the Pauson-Khand Reaction
- Neuromuscular Blocking Compounds
Teaching Interests
- Organic Chemistry
- Process Chemistry Development
Michael Young
Ph.D.
Department Chair - Life and Earth Sciences, Professor
Office: Siebert Hall SH007F
Phone: (262) 243-2046
Bio
I enjoy serving the church and students at all levels by helping people to articulate scientific concepts in a manner consistent with their faith in both secular and religious venues .
Education
- Ph D - Molecular Cell Biology, Washington University in St. Louis (2004)
- BS - Biochemistry, Zoology, Michigan State University (1998)
- Colloquy for LCMS teachers - Concordia University Irvine (2008)
Contributions
- Young, M. (2021). On the need for a thoughtful distinctively Lutheran perspective on creation. (3 ed., vol. XXX, pp. 35-40). Fort Wayne, IN: Logia.
- Young, M. (2021). The Science Behind Genotype, Contributor and Lead Editor of booklet that accompanies the board game Genotype. St. Louis, MO: Genius Games.
- Soper, R. & Young, M. (2015). "Methodological Cohesion in the Biological Sciences and Lutheran Theology. " In Scott A. Ashmon (Ed.), The Idea and Practice of a Christian University. St. Louis, MO: CPH.
Research Interests
- Yeast membrane domains defined by Sur7p
- Cohesion of Christianity and Scientific Thought
Teaching Interests
- Genetics
- CCE 140
The biochemistry department has been blessed with modern equipment housed in our instrumentation room and also has access to equipment housed in the CUW School of Pharmacy. For example, the CUW SOP has a 500 MHz NMR.
UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
Spectroflourometer
High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC)
FT-IR Spectrometer
Gas Chromatograph
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) OES
NMR Spectrometer
The biochemistry faculty at CUW involve undergraduate students in their research projects. This is an excellent way for students to engage more with their degree program, to learn to become independent scientists, and to get training applicable for graduate school or employment at a company. If this sounds interesting, check out the research projects below and contact the appropriate professor to discuss your interest. CUW also has a dedicated Undergraduate Research Program for all majors.
Active research projects
Biochemistry
- Investigation of the metabolic rates of drug-metabolizing enzymes (Dr. Bichler)
Computational
- Modeling cluster ion formation, isomerization, and spectroscopy (Dr. Beck)
Inorganic
- Catalytic applications of polyoxometalate complexes (Dr. Thompson)
Organic
- Organometallic microwave cyclization reactions (Dr. Van Ornum)
- Neuromuscular blocking analog preparations (Dr. Van Ornum)
Chemical Education
- Understanding how students develop and interact with scientific models (Dr. Beck)
- Organic laboratory pedagogy (Dr. Bichler)