The Department of Natural Sciences offers the following programs:
- Biochemistry
- Biochemistry, Pre-professional Emphasis
- Biological Science
- Biological Science, 6-12 Teaching Licensure
- Biological Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
- Biological Science, Pre-Physician Assistant Emphasis
- Biological Science, Pre-Professional Emphasis
- Biological Science, Ecology/Environmental Science Emphasis
- Chemistry
- Chemistry, 6-12 Teaching Licensure
- Health Science
Our faculty are an exceptional group, supremely student-oriented, with a deep commitment to undergraduate research and sound preparation for life after college, whether it be graduate school, professional school, or teaching. The key aspect in the sciences is the high standard applied to this preparation, including rigorous study and application in classes, labs, and applied research. Graduates routinely come back and tell us how wonderfully prepared they were for the next step. This kind of preparation requires a lot of personal attention, working with students one-on-one to help them achieve their goals.
Benjamin Christmann, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology and Health Science
Specialty: Health Science, Biochemistry, Immunology
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 106D
Phone: (423) 614-8449
Jonathan Cornett, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
Specialty: Genetics and Biological Research
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 203B
Phone: (423) 614-8285
Joseph Daft, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
Specialty: Health Science, Microbiology, Anatomy
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 106C
Phone: (423) 303-5141
Paul DeLaLuz, PhD
Chairperson,
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
Specialty: Biochemistry and Chemical Education
Department of Natural Sciences | Location: SMC360B
Phone: (423) 614-8286
Michael Dorset
Lecturer in Biology and Health Science Instructor
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 203A
Ext.8281
Brent Ferrell, PhD
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Specialty: Biochemistry and Chemical Education
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 303B
Phone: (423) 473-3780
Michael Freake, PhD
Professor of Biology
Specialty: Field Research
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 203D
Phone: (423) 614-8282
David Harkins, PhD
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Specialty: Analytical and Core Chemistry
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 303G
Phone: (423) 614-8278
John Hearn, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Specialty: Physical Chemistry and Funded Research
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 303C
Phone: (423) 614-8279
John Hisey, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
Specialty: Environmental Biology, Field Research
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 203E
Phone: (423) 614-8337
Pamela Hobbs, DPT
Assistant Professor in Health Science
Specialty: Physical Therapy, Anatomy
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 106A
Phone: (423) 614-8334
Sherry Kasper, PhD
Professor of Biology
Specialty: Pharmacology, Core Biology, Anatomy
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 203G
Phone: (423) 614-8659
Matthew Krepps, PhD
Professor of Chemistry
Specialty: Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 303D
Phone: (423) 614-8293
Thaddeus McRae, PhD
Associate Professor of Biology
Specialty: Environmental Biology, Ecology, Field Research
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 203F
Phone: (423) 614-8298
Anthony Minutolo, MS
Assistant Professor in Engineering/Physics
Specialty: Physics, Engineering
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 350B
Phone: (423) 473-3783
Dana Perry, MS
Lecturer in Health Sciences
Specialty: Microbiology and Anatomy
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 106E
Phone: (423) 614-8277
Sarah Schlosser, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Specialty: Chemical Education
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 303E
Phone: (423) 614-8294
Allison Sneed, MS
Associate Lecturer in Chemistry
Specialty: Physical Chemistry and Core Chemistry
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 303A
Phone: (423) 303-5067
Lori West, PhD
Professor of Biology
Specialty: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, and Biological Research
Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 203C
Phone: (423) 614-8335
Robert West, PhD
Assistant Chairperson,
Professor of Biology
Professor of Biology
Specialty: Core Biology
Department of Natural Sciences | Location: SMC 350B
Phone: (423) 614-8284
Jasmine Ngo
Jasmine Ngo, a sophomore biology major with minors in chemistry and mathematics, is from Cleveland, Tennessee. She is a peer leader, Tri-Beta Member, Alpha Phi Delta Member, student worker, and ENSCO undergraduate researcher. “My favorite part about Lee is the relationships I've had the opportunity to from,” said Jasmine. “I'm incredibly grateful for professors and friends who encourage me to think critically about the world around me, while providing a constant safe space to develop holistically.” After graduation, she hopes to go to medical school and practice as a physician.