Blackburn College Biology

Meet the Faculty

James Bray Jr.
Professor of Biology, arrived at Blackburn College in 2002
Ph.D., Southern Illinois University

Olin 139
(217) 854-3231 ext. 4328
E-mail James Bray Jr.

Specialty Areas:
Botany

I enjoy teaching at Blackburn College because of the many opportunities to know my students well, small school atmosphere, strong student work ethic, close relationships among the faculty, and good relationships with the administration.

I regularly teach:
BI 100 - Fundamentals of Biology
BI 202 - Introductory Botany
BI 301 - Genetics
BI 413 - Plant Physiology
Plant Morphology - new course to be added for 2003-2004

Research Interests:

Plant Systematics, Bryology, Bioremediation, Bonsai Culture

Special Activities With Students:

My research with students is currently focused on the plants associated with reclaimed mined regions.
I work with students to culture and care for our extensive greenhouse plants
Students assist me in the preparation of laboratory materials and the design of teaching exercises.

Awards
2003 Blackburn College faculty research grant to work with a student examining the recovery of plants on mined lands.

Community Contributions

Active in the Carlinville Southern Baptist Church
Active in support of the Carlinville Food Pantry

Richard Crowell
Professor of Biology, arrived at Blackburn College in 1985
Ph.D., University of Arkansas

Alumni Hall 40
(217) 854-3231 ext.4327
E-mail Richard Crowell

Specialty Areas:
Environmental Biology (Ecology - Limnology)
Animal Physiology
Animal Behavior

I enjoy teaching at Blackburn College because of the small class size, opportunity to engage in informal research projects with students, and ability to use the work program to maintain a variety of organisms (marine tanks, reptiles, amphibians, etc.) for educational purposes.

I regularly teach:
BI 204 - Animal Behavior
BI 207 - Environmental Science
BI 307 - Ecology
BI 308 - Field Biology
BI 402 - Animal Physiology
BI 433 - Limnology

Research Interests:

Development of hypertension in spontaneous hypertensive rats
Captive breeding and maintenance of various reptiles and marine organisms
Maintenance of marine aquaria with special emphasis on coral reef tanks

Special Activities With Students:

Many field trips associated with classes
Two week field trip to Florida
Supervising research with hypertensive rats

Awards
Several Blackburn College faculty research grants to work with students on various projects.

Community Contributions

Church youth groups
Presentations to various community groups on snakes and other biologically related topics
Assist with local youth bowling program

David Reid
Chemistry/ Biology Professor
Ph.D., Rush University

Olin Hall 8 (217) 854-3231 ext. 4239
E-mail David Reid

Professional Scholarly Growth

Revised the Instructors Guide for the 4th edition of Biology Concepts & Connection by Campbell, Mitchell & Reece
Provided revised reference for the 6th edition of Instructors Guide to Text and Media for Biology by Campbell and Reece
Speaker at the Annual Alpha Chi Induction Ceremony (February 17, 2002)

College Service

Faculty Conditions of Service
Special Advisory Committee to Teacher Education
Senior Class Advisor
Advisor to 12 freshmen Biology, Chemistry Med. Tech. Or Pre-Med. Students
Med. Tech. Advisor: Planned a trip to visit a major clinical lab in Springfield, IL (completed)
British Study Program
Participated in Summer Registration Program
Search Committee for Botany Position

Community Service

Assistant Scout Master for Troop 62
IDOT Adopt-A-Highway Project is underway and we have cleaned up trash four times with BI 208 and CH105 students.
Member of Ss. Mary and Joseph's Church Adult Contemporary Choir.
Arranged for pre-med. student to shadow family practice physician
Arranged for pre-med students to participate in a summer internships of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Arranged for pre-vet student to gain large animal experience on a local dairy farm.

Ed Zalisko
Biology Professor, Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences
Ph.D., Washington State

Alumni Hall 41
(217) 854-3231ext. 4230
E-mail Ed Zalisko

Dr. Edward John Zalisko

Dr. Edward Zalisko is Professor of Biology at Blackburn College where he teaches courses in zoology, evolution, development, and anatomy and physiology. He uses his analogies, enthusiasm, and sense of humor to make biology meaningful and relevant to the lives of his students. He earned his Ph.D. in Zoology and state teaching certificate in biology and chemistry (grades 4-12) at Washington State University. Dr. Zalisko has published more than fourteen general biology textbooks, laboratory manuals in comparative vertebrate anatomy, and general biology instructors guides, study guides, and test banks. Some of his work was coauthored by his students and colleagues at Blackburn College. His research interests in anatomical and ecological studies of dinosaurs, salamanders, and snakes have led to seven papers coauthored with his undergraduate students and more than 20 scientific publications. In addition, he has taken more than 75 students to international scientific meetings throughout North America and Europe.

Dr. Zalisko was named the 2000 Illinois Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and was selected as the 2000 Blackburn College Outstanding Teacher and Campus Leader.

Biology Adjuncts

David Kretchmar
Ph.D.
Olin Hall 109B
(217) 854-3231 Ext. 4221