Dr. Karen Murch-Shafer has always liked school.  " I've always liked studying. Now I get to learn all the time while helping others to learn,” she said.  Murch-Shafer also understands that college is a time to find your academic interests and have fun with learning. She arrived at college as an engineering major with a music minor. " Biology wasn't even on my radar screen," she said. "I ended up taking biology as a general education class and really liked it." Engineering was still interesting to Murch-Shafer, but it didn't excite her the way biology did. She switched majors, even though she had no idea what she would do with a bachelor's degree in biology.

As a junior, she was given the opportunity to teach some Biology 101 labs.

" It was at that point that I thought, 'Hmmmm teaching,' " she said. She went on to do varied research projects in graduate school, but still found herself drawn back to teaching.

" I like the interaction with students," she said. "I love my freedom as a professor. I've never had a job where I've had to punch a clock."

Now Murch-Shafer shares her enthusiasm for science and hands-on research with her students. Dana's biology curriculum focuses on hands-on, experimental learning, and Murch-Shafer has also given some students the chance to work on real research projects in conjunction with investigators at major regional research institutions. This work has led to internships not easily available to undergraduate students.

" I want Dana to be known as one of the best places to study biology," she said. "When students come in I tell them, 'If you want to do something — we can probably find a way to make it happen.'"

That enthusiasm is part of the reason why Dana's biology program has been growing. Another is Dana's proven success record with producing highly qualified graduates.

" Students can see my excitement for science and I think that rubs off,"  she said.

Dr. Karen Murch-Shafer was awarded a bachelor of science and master of science degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming. She has served as assistant professor of biology at Buena Vista University. 

Dr. Karen Murch-Shafer
Assistant Professor of Biology
kmurch@dana.edu
402 426-7260
Office: DHS 213