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Life Sciences

Title Image
Scientist measuring water depth to install water level data logg
Department Chair
Shawn Macauley
Department Support
Kristin Hepfer
Contact Information

Office Phone

Main: 231-777-0273

Campus Email

kristin.hepfer@muskegoncc.edu

Office Location:

Science Center Room 1411

Office Hours

Mon: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tue: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wed: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Thurs: 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Fri: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Overview:

The Department of Life Sciences enjoys exploring the natural world around us and provides courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, food science, environmental sciences, and geography.  Whether you are interested in understanding how to grow and cultivate food from farm to table, explore the complexities of the human body, appreciate the impact of weather and climate on our world, or understand how microorganisms contribute to both your health and disease, we have a course for you. 

The Department of Life Sciences offers the Biology Pathways major for students interested in transferring to more than 15 Michigan colleges and universities as a biology major.  We also collaborate with Michigan State University’s Institute of Agricultural Technology to provide five exciting programs right here in Muskegon.  For students going into the health sciences, we offer two different tracks of anatomy and physiology (links for allied health, respiratory therapy, and nursing). 

For students interested in geography, we offer five courses to better understand our planet. The Kasey Hartz Natural Area is 35-acre outdoor classroom adjacent to campus that you are always welcome to explore.  Our dedicated faculty and staff are looking forward to meeting you.  For questions about which classes are right for you, contact our office or meet with your MCC counselor (link).

Areas of Study

Biology
Environmental Science
Agriculture
Food Science
Biomedical Engineering Technology
Chemistry

Related Degrees

Biology MI Transfer Pathway

MI Transfer Degree

Biomedical Engineering Technology (AAS)

MI Transfer Degree

Agriculture (AAS)

MI Transfer Degree

Associate in Science and Arts (ASA)

MI Transfer Degree

Food Processing Technology (AAS)

MI Transfer Degree

Food Science Certificate

MI Transfer Degree
Urban forest management

Urban Forest Management (AAS)

MI Transfer Degree

Faculty & Staff

Shawn Macauley
Faculty - Department Chair

MY BACKGROUND

  • Hometown: Grand Rapids MI
  • Professional Experience: Research and Professional Interests – Physical, Visual, and Memory Rehabilitation with patients suffering from Vestibular dysfunction, Problems with Chronic Wound Healing especially as presented in patients with diabetes, Effective use of Technology in teaching introductory science classes, and Advocacy for individuals with physical disabilities.
  • Academic Degrees: Ph.D. Medical Sciences from University of Florida College of Medicine, M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Sciences from University of Florida,
  • Classes Taught: BIOL 152 – Human Anatomy

MORE ABOUT ME

  • Saxophonist
  • 5 children
  • learned how to walk and drive again after complete bilateral vestibular loss
  • performed in two Super Bowl Halftime shows
  • traveled as short term missionary to Romania, China, and the Dominican Republic
Darren Mattone
Faculty

MY BACKGROUND

MORE ABOUT ME

Kathy Pollock
Faculty

MY BACKGROUND

  • Hometown: Troy, MI
  • Professional Experience: 2006- Muskegon Community College – Full Time Life Science Instructor
    2005-2006 Grand Valley State University – Adjunct Biology Professor
    1992-2005 Chelsea High School -Science & Math Teacher
  • Academic Degrees: Bachelor of Science; Oakland Univeristy, Rochester, MI, Master of Science; Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, Master of Educational Technology; Michigan State University, Lansing, MI
  • Classes Taught: Introductory Biology I (BIOL 113), General Biology (BIOL 130)

MORE ABOUT ME

  • I enjoy interacting with students and figuring out how to take a complex concept and break it down for easier understanding.
  • Besides teaching, my other passions are graphic design and photography, taking hikes and playing frisbee catch with my dog.
  • I take pride in my children and cheering for them in sports competitions.
  • I believe in sustainable living. I try to contribute to local sustainability through growing fresh vegetables and donating them to local food pantries.
  • My passion for exploring the great outdoors extends to the underground….I like to go caving.
Scott Kendall
Faculty

MY BACKGROUND

  • Hometown: Muskegon, MI
  • Professional Experience: Full time Instructor, Muskegon Community College, Muskegon, MI: 2014 – present; Instructor for Microbiology courses. Research Associate or Technical Call-In, Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI: 2003 – present; Perform field/lab-based research, student research training, and education/outreach associated with Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry Lab; Managed the Muskegon Lake buoy-based observatory in Muskegon Lake (www.gvsu.edu/buoy). Adjunct Instructor, Muskegon Community College, Muskegon, MI: 2006 – 2014; Taught microbiology, general biology, anatomy and physiology courses. Adjunct Instructor, Baker College, Biology Dept., Muskegon, MI: 2008; Taught general biology course. Contract Pilot, Atlanta, GA: 2002. Manager/Owner, Northwind Aviation, LLC, Newnan, GA: 1999 – 2002. Sr. Environmental Scientist/Project Manager, Earth Tech, Inc., Atlanta, GA: 1991 – 1999; Provided environmental consulting to commercial/government clients on over 40 projects related to site assessments, regulatory compliance, evaluations of novel microbial and physicochemical remedial technologies, analytical testing, soil and groundwater remediation, POTW & NPDES discharge compliance, emergency response, and transportation/disposal. Research Specialist III/Laboratory Supervisor, Emory University, Dept. of Oral Biology, Atlanta, GA: Dec 1987 – Jan 1991; Performed research on the antimicrobial and physicochemical properties of human secretory proteins with Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans.
  • Academic Degrees: M.S. Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, B.S. Biology/Chemistry, Central Michigan University, Coursework at Muskegon Community College
  • Classes Taught: BIOL 207 Microbiology Lecture (BIOL 207Lec), Microbiology Lab (BIOL-207A)

MORE ABOUT ME

  • I am a Certified Commercial Pilot have flown many kinds of aircraft to many places. I have many hours flying for Angel Flight. Once, I flew into closed airspace in New York after 9/11 to pick up firefighter crews working on the site.
  • I love to go wilderness canoeing. The longest trip I have done is 2 weeks in the Canadian wilderness. My honeymoon was, in part, a wilderness canoe trip in northern Quebec.
  • I am from Muskegon, but have lived in California for 1 year and in Georgia for 17 years.
  • I have a horse farm and own 12 horses and many chickens (except when the coyotes get them)
  • I am an avid turkey and deer hunter and hunt with both bows and guns.
  • I am married with 3 kids
Kristin Hepfer
Department Support

Jill Zeller
Life Science Lab Paraprofessional

Dana Bachelder
Adjunct Faculty

Anita Curtis
Adjunct Faculty

Kathleen Gnanasekharan
Adjunct Faculty

Jack Mueller
Adjunct Faculty

Jane Wright
Adjunct Faculty

Rudy Bartels
Adjunct Faculty

MY BACKGROUND

  • Classes Taught: GEOG-214, GEOG-215
Eric Carballido
Faculty

Michael Gutowsky
Adjunct Faculty

MY BACKGROUND

  • Classes Taught: GEOG-104, GEOG-105
Matthew Bernia
Academic Affairs - Program Coordinator for MSU IAT

My Background:

Hometown – Unionville, MI

Professional Experience: 2023 – Current MSU IAT Program Coordinator. 2018 – 2023 Agriscience Educator and FFA Advisor at St. Louis Public Schools, MI. 2019-2021 St. Louis Middle School Track Coach. 2021 – 2023 St. Louis High School JV & Varsity Bowling Coach. At St Louis Public Schools I also served as a class advisor, student council advisor, and Department Chair for the Science Department.

Academic Degrees: Master of Agricultural Education; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Bachelor of Agricultural Education; University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River-Falls, WI. Technical Certificate in Agricultural Industries; Michigan State University, Institute of Agricultural Technology, East Lansing, MI.

Classes Taught: Career Development in Agriculture (AT 100), Career Explorations in Urban and Community Forestry (FOR 111), Professional Internship Placement (AT 293).

More About Me:  Dedicated to student success in and out of the classroom. Passionate about professional development and lifelong learning. Avid outdoorsmen, hiking, hunting, and fishing. A dedicated member of Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Association of Agricultural Educators and the National Association of Agricultural Educators. In 2021 I was selected by MAAE and NAAE as a Teacher Turn the Key Award Recipient and in 2022, I was selected by NAAE as a National Agriscience Teacher Ambassador.

Related Resources

MCC Science Center
Kasey Hartz Natural Area
Carr-Fles Planetarium
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