{"id":12117,"date":"2025-08-18T10:38:23","date_gmt":"2025-08-18T15:38:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/?page_id=12117"},"modified":"2025-08-18T10:38:24","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T15:38:24","slug":"faculty-staff","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/colleges\/science-engineering\/biology-department\/faculty-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Biology Faculty &amp; Staff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n    <div class=\"panel panel--white\">\n        <div class=\"panel__container\">\n            <div class=\"panel__intro\">\n                        <\/div>\n            \n\n<div class=\"wsu-block grid grid--50\">\n    <div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Kimberly Bates\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 228<br \/>\n507.457.5458<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Bates\u2019 research examines the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites in fur-bearing mammals.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:kbates@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Kimberly Bates <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Mary Diekmann\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Administrative Assistant\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 220<br \/>\n507.457.5270<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:mdiekmann@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Mary Diekmann <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Kimberly Evenson\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 219<br \/>\n507.457.5287<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Evenson\u2019s research integrates organismal, physiological, and molecular approaches to answer questions related to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>plant microbe interactions<\/li>\n<li>plant tissue culture for plant breeding<\/li>\n<li>plant responses to environmental stresses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:kevenson@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Kimberly Evenson <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Casey Finnerty\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Associate Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 236<br \/>\n507.457.5855<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pathobiology<\/li>\n<li>Entomology<\/li>\n<li>Structural biology<\/li>\n<li>Biological computing<\/li>\n<li>Analysis of baculovirus-host interactions<\/li>\n<li>Protein structure\/function relationships<\/li>\n<li>Molecular evolution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:cfinnerty@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Casey Finnerty <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Mark Garbrecht\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 234<br \/>\n507.457.2261<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/course1.winona.edu\/mgarbrecht\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit Mark Garbrecht\u2019s academic website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Research in Dr. Garbrecht\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>The lab uses a mix of molecular, cellular, and animal model systems.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:mgarbrecht@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Mark Garbrecht <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Chris Groen\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Assistant Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 226<br \/>\n507.457.5462<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Groen\u2019s interests include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>neurodegenerative disorders peripheral neuropathy<\/li>\n<li>pharmacogenomics<\/li>\n<li>regenerative medicine<\/li>\n<li>drosophila genetics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:christopher.groen@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Chris Groen <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Peter Knopick\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Assistant Professor, MLS Program Director\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 224<br \/>\n507.457.5271<\/p>\n<p><strong>Teaching Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Peter Knopick teaches the clinical science courses for MLS majors and Microbiology 209.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>His teaching approach uses examples from both clinical and research experiences to help prepare students for careers in healthcare.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:peter.knopick@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Peter Knopick <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Betsy Larson\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Assistant Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 238<br \/>\n507.457.2494<\/p>\n<p><strong>Teaching Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Larson\u2019s teaching interests include preparing Secondary Life Science Teachers through inquiry lab experiences, service learning and supportive advisor-advisee relationships.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:elarson@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Betsy Larson <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Osvaldo Martinez\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 248<br \/>\n507.457.5277<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/borneodance.wordpress.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View Osvaldo Martinez\u2019s academic website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Research in Dr. Martinez\u2019s lab focuses on studying host-pathogen interactions, specifically how Ebola and West Nile virus infect and deregulate human immune cells.<\/p>\n<p>His lab is also developing a novel virus-like particle vaccine.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, the lab is identifying new bacteria-killing phages and investigating their potential as therapeutics.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:omartinez@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Osvaldo Martinez <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Kay Pedretti\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Laboratory Specialist\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 204<br \/>\n507.457.5288<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:kpedretti@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Kay Pedretti <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Amy Runck\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Department Chair, Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 230<br \/>\n507.457.5272<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Runck\u2019s research combines field biology and molecular techniques to understand adaptations to changing environments.<\/p>\n<p>Current research projects include gene expression in tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) and post-glacial speciation in red-backed voles (Myodes sp.).<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:arunck@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Amy Runck <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Scott Segal\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 240<br \/>\n507.457.2594<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Research in Dr. Segal\u2019s lab focuses on control of gene expression in response to physiological stresses, including glucose deprivation and exposure to genotoxic agents.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>His lab uses cytological, genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches in both yeast and mammalian systems to study these phenomena.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:ssegal@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Scott Segal <\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-block grid grid--33\">\n    <div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Erika Vail\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Laboratory Specialist\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>SLC 277<br \/>\n507.457.2632<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:evail@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Erika Vail<\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Ted Wilson\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 232<br \/>\n507.457.2485<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/course1.winona.edu\/twilson\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View Ted Wilson\u2019s academic website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>He also investigates the physiological processes related to hypothermia, diabetes, obesity, and heart failure. He enjoys coffee, family, hunting, fishing, logging, and farming.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:twilson@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Ted Wilson<\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wsu-block contact-card mb-1\">\n   <div class=\"contact-card__content\">\n       <div class=\"contact-card__title h4\">\n           Dr. Austin Yantes\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__subtitle h4\">\n           Assistant Professor\n       <\/div>\n       <div class=\"contact-card__description\">\n           <p>Pasteur 217<br \/>\n507.457.5269<\/p>\n<p><strong>Research Interests<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Dr. Yantes is interested in restoration ecology, plant community ecology, and disturbance ecology.<\/p>\n<p>Her research evaluates the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration and management techniques, as well as how plant communities respond to disturbances like fire, disease, grazing, and invasive plant species.<\/p>\n\n       <\/div>\n       <a class=\"wsu-link contact-card__link\" href=\"mailto:Austin.Yantes@winona.edu\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"\">Email Austin Yantes<\/a>\n   <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Biology faculty at WSU is a group of academic professionals committed to educating the scientists of tomorrow.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":12077,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_tec_requires_first_save":true,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_tribe_blocks_recurrence_rules":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_description":"","_tribe_blocks_recurrence_exclusions":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[473],"tags":[330,352],"class_list":["post-12117","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-biology","tag-contact-profile","tag-legacy"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12117"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17916,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12117\/revisions\/17916"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/12077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.winona.edu\/academics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}