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Associate Professor of Marine Biology
Bachelor of Arts
Biology
Major
Top 5 reasons to study biology at Goshen College
College programs: You can participate in programs at the college’s Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center, a 1,189-acre diverse nature preserve and field laboratory just 30 miles from campus.- Researches around the country: You can gain research skills while studying marine biology at our J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station in the Florida Keys or wildlife conservation in the savannas of Kenya.
- Interactive events: We also have interactive learning events right on campus, including a science speaker lecture series, a biology coffee hour, and multiple teaching and research assistantships.
- Research project: As a junior you will gain research experience by designing, implementing and analyzing an independently designed research project.
- Internship opportunities: We’ll help you land an internship (e.g. at a federal research lab, shadowing a doctor, researching cancer) which will open doors for your career.
Alumni Outcomes
Our undergraduate degree programs help prepare students for career paths and graduate study in evolutionary biology, medical biology, human health, life sciences, veterinary medicine, forensic anthropology, environmental biology, cellular biology, conservation biology, biomedical engineering, genetic engineering, forensic science, environmental conservation, and more.
Program Overview
If you’re curious about the natural world, Goshen College is the place to turn that curiosity into discovery. Here, you won’t just study biology—you’ll experience it firsthand. Track elephants in Kenya, band birds in Indiana, or analyze viruses in a state-of-the-art lab. Your education goes beyond textbooks, with hands-on learning that prepares you for real-world impact.
You’ll build a strong foundation in the scientific method and natural sciences while sharpening your critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills. And with a 90–95% acceptance rate into graduate programs over the past five years, a biology degree from Goshen College isn’t just a diploma—it’s your launchpad to a future of discovery and purpose.
Facilities and Resources
J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station
The Jonathan N. Roth Marine Biology Station, owned by Goshen College, is located in Layton, Florida about 1 1/2 hours from Miami in the Florida Keys. The station includes the C. Franklin Bishop laboratory, which facilitates research and study in marine science.
The marine station enables students to explore a world-class marine ecosystem, with coral reefs, mudflats, and seagrass beds adjacent to the station. The marine biology program at Goshen is growing and includes the annual May term marine biology course, May term and summer research opportunities for students, and ongoing research and teaching collaborations with other institutions. Learn more.
Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center
Merry Lea is a nature sanctuary located near Wolf Lake, Indiana. Most of the habitats found in northeastern Indiana are present in the 1,189 acres of Merry Lea. Unique geological features such as peat bogs, a marl pit, and glacial gravel formations are present. Observable management practices include wetland, prairie, and savanna restorations, as well as sustainable agriculture.
On location is Rieth Village, a cluster of the LEED Platinum-certified buildings, which are equipped with technology and accommodations for semester-long residential research experiences. A vigorous educational program interprets the significant biological and geological features. Management of the center is guided by a Christian theology of earth-keeping. Learn more.
Schrock Science Labs
Renovated in 1992, this facility provides modern laboratory and research facilities. Its comfortable and safe research labs are well-ventilated and well-equipped for basic research in the genetic, cellular, molecular, vertebrate, aquatic and marine areas.
Witmer Woods
Witmer Woods is an 18-acre arboretum of native shrubs and trees within walking distance of campus, acquired by Goshen College in 1941 to be used as a natural recreation area. Dr. S.W. Witmer and his students transplanted trees and shrubs to create an arboretum. This valuable resource and learning tool is a fitting tribute to one who contributed so much to identifying and preserving plant life.
Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies
Goshen College is part of a network of Christian colleges that send students to the Au Sable Institute. Students can take classes in environmental studies and gain field experience that will transfer as credits to GC. Learn more.
Career Paths
GC biology graduates are active in human medicine, veterinary medicine, the agricultural sciences, cell biology, microbiology, marine biology, biotechnology, ecology, environmental analysis, science communications and science education, as well as basic research in numerous biological areas.
Whether students enter biology-related careers right out of college or choose to further their education with an advanced degree, Goshen College will give them the skills they need to succeed. Career path options for biology students include, but are not limited to:
| Physician | Public Health Director | Botanist |
| Dentist | Hospital Administrator | Environmental Engineer |
| Pharmacist | Biochemist | Meteorologist |
| Physical Therapist | Marine Biologist | Soil Conservationist |
| Veterinarian | Zoologist | Technical Writer |
Explore more about the program.
Areas of interest for which majors may prepare by careful selection of courses include: agriculture, allied health (medical technology, pharmacy), biotechnology, botany, cellular biology, ecology, environmental biology, field biology, genetics, human biology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, pre-professional (dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, physical therapy), teaching biology, tropical agriculture, wildlife biology or zoology.
For a full list of requirements and available courses, refer to the course listing page.
Teacher certification in Life Sciences or Life Sciences and Chemistry is also available. See the education department’s website for more information.
You will find many opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience in and around campus.
- Conduct independent lab and field research, culminating in a junior-designed project that becomes your senior thesis.
- Participate in the Maple Scholars Summer Research Program for paid, faculty-mentored research.
- Gain marine field experience at GC’s J.N. Roth Marine Biology Station in the Florida Keys.
- Explore ecology and sustainability through immersive study at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center.
- Complete internships in healthcare, conservation, environmental science and biomedical research. Build real clinical experience through physician shadowing, emergency room volunteering and work in local healthcare settings.
- Develop core scientific skills through weekly three-hour labs.
- Take part in the Study Service Term, connecting global learning, cultural immersion and service.
- Engage with a vibrant academic community through research presentations, speaker series and department events.
Learn more about our emphasis on experiential learning opportunities.
Scholarships make up a large portion of our financial aid packages, which average almost $26,000 per student (not including work-study or loans). Please visit our financial aid page for more information on available scholarships and the application process.
Andy Ammons
Professor of Biology
Deana Baker
Associate Professor of Biology
Pre-Health Club Advisor
Raquel Montanez Gonzalez
Assistant Professor of Biology
ProfilesZoe Brown ’23
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada/Goshen Major: Biology Why did you choose Goshen? I chose Goshen because it allowed me to continue to work and pursue my degree while staying close to my family. I found an amazing job that I didn’t want...