Natural Sciences
THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES
The department of Natural Sciences offers challenging curricula in biology that leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Also, in cooperation with the Department of Education, the Department of Natural Sciences offers a major in General Science Education which certifies graduates to teach science in secondary schools. All programs in the department provide classes and support activities that prepare students for standardized tests required for successful program completion and entry into graduate and professional schools. Classes are also offered in the Department for non-majors to complete general physical and life science requirements.
Graduates with a degree in biology are prepared for positions in industrial, academic, or government laboratories; or for entry into graduate or professional schools to train for careers in academics, medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, veterinary medicine, or other allied health professions. Additional areas graduates may choose to pursue as careers include, civil and mechanical engineering, meteorology, epidemiology, and health administration.
The department maintains programs that support a “culture of achievement” and is devoted to promoting the academic success of major students. The primary goals of the Department are to:
1. Assist students in reaching their full potential for academic success by emphasizing scientific reasoning, critical inquiry, problem solving, and research skills.
2. Promote the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and experiences that will promote an understanding of the physical and biological worlds.
3. Provide academic preparation in the sciences that will promote the development of good oral and written skills in major students.
4. Provide academic preparation in the sciences that will promote the success of students on standardized tests that are necessary for program completion and entry into graduate and professional schools.
5. Promote the participation of students in experiential experiences that will assist them in applying scientific principles and in making career choices.
6. Promote life-long learning attitudes through the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and experiences based on an understanding of the changing nature of science as new discoveries are made.
7. Promote academic preparation in the sciences that will help students understand the impact of science on the environment and society.
Faculty
Dr. Marion Fintel is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1982 with a Ph.D. in physiology. She received postdoctoral training from the University of California at Los Angeles from 1982 till 1986. She teaches anatomy and physiology, general biology, and cell physiology. Dr. Fintel has taught at Stillman College since the fall of 2007. She has taught in higher education for the past twenty years.
Dr. Rosianna R. Gray is originally from Moundville, Alabama. She graduated from The University of Alabama with her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology. She has been at Stillman for 2 ½ years. She teaches classes in Biology (General Biology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, and Life Science) and has been in higher education for 6 years.
Dr. Godwin Ihejeto received his M.S. in Chemistry from Howard University in 1985. He has been in higher education teaching chemistry since 1987.
Dr. Sher S. Kannar is originally from Tanzania, Africa. He graduated from Daressalaam University with a B.S. and an M.S . from Clarkson University, Potsdam, N.Y. After further studies at Auburn and UAB he graduated from Columbia Pacific University with his Ph.D. in Physics. He has been at Stillman for ten years. He teaches classes in Physics and Physical Science. He has been in higher education for 35 years.
Dr. Diana Dorai-Raj is originally from Rochester, New York. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. She has been at Stillman for 30 years. She teaches classes in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Physical Science. She taught for two years in Canada prior to coming to Stillman.
Dr. Jarnail Singh is originally from Punjab, India. He graduated from Kansas State University with his Ph.D. in Cytogenetics and Physiology. He has been at Stillman for 42 years. He teaches classes in Biology/Natural Sciences and has been in higher education for 42 years.” He also served on the National Science Advisory Board 1996-2000.