Faculty

Dr. James D. Stidham, Professor of Biology

Dr. Stidham specializes in physiology, specifically transport across biological membranes. He spends his summers in research at the Mount Desert Island Biological Lab, studying ion channels in fish gill epithelium. His other area of expertise is coral reef ecology, including studies at Lizard Island, Australia and at the Institute for Marine Studies of the University of Havana. Outside of biology, his passion is British cars.

 

B.S. Maryville College

M.S., Ph.D. University of Tennessee

Joined PC in 1960

 

Have a question for Dr. Stidham?
Lassiter Hall
(864) 833-8449
jstidham@presby.edu

 

 

Dr. John C. Inman, Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology

Dr. Inman specializes in Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Environmental Science. His research entails soil mineralization, microbial pollution of local water systems, Nitrogen/Phosphate cycling, novel antibiotics, and bacterial colonization of dental surfaces. Typically seen with hammer in hand, he is instrumental in the Habitat for Humanity program throughout Laurens County. A great lover of books, John is also an avid creative writer.

 

B.S., Presbyterian College
M.S., Purdue University
Ph.D., Purdue University
Joined PC in 1980

Have a question for Dr. Inman?
Lassiter 205
(864) 833-8401
jinman@presby.edu

 

Dr. Michael O. Rischbieter, Professor of Biology

Dr. Rischbieter specializes in Paleobiology, Systematics, Plant Structure and Function, and Biogeography. His research involves assessment of past environments in the Southeast using fossils from Carboniferous coal swamp plants found in Alabama and Virginia, and analysis of pollen and spores from the Plio-Pleistocene of South Carolina. He has conducted research in the stratigraphic relationships and evolution of early ungulate mammals from the Oligocene of eastern Wyoming. Mike has led several ecological tours throughout parts of South America, including the Galapagos Islands, Ecuadoran cloud forests, and the Peruvian Amazon. Outside of the classroom, lab or field, he enjoys playing electric and acoustic guitars, fishing, and an occasional ride in his restored '69 Camaro!

 

B.S., University of Washington
M.S., Western Illinois University
Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Joined PC in 1987

 

Have a question for Dr. Rischbieter?
Lassiter 106
(864) 833-8403
miker@presby.edu

 

Dr. James T. Wetzel, Pulaski L. Bealy Smith Professor of Biology,
Department Chair

Dr. Wetzel teaches Developmental Biology and Anatomy. His primary area of specialization is unusual modes of reproduction in fishes -- most specifically, paternal/embryonic relationships in seahorses and pipefishes. His other area of specialization is Electron Microscopy and in making microscopic images as art. Jim teaches SCUBA on the side, and has dived much of the world with camera in hand. His other love is Asian literature and he has traveled in Japan, Korea, and China.

 

B.S., Point Park University
M.A., California State University
Ph.D., Clemson University
Joined PC in 1990

Have a question for Dr. Wetzel?
114 Lassiter Hall
(864) 833-8412
jwetzel@presby.edu

 

Dr. Ronald J.C. Zimmerman, Professor of Biology

Dr. Zimmerman specializes in cell biology, biochemistry and immunology. His research in collaboration with the Greenwood Genetics Center identifies gene mutations that cause human genetic disorders. He is currently studying a gene that encodes an enzyme involved in the breakdown of fat during energy production. His hobbies are hiking and cooking.

 

 

 

B.A., Goshen College
Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Joined PC in 1991

Have a question for Dr. Zimmerman?
Lassiter 208
(864) 833-8418
rzim@presby.edu

 

Dr. Jane P. Ellis, Professor of Biology

Dr. Ellis specializes in plant physiology, medicinal botany, and plant taxonomy. Her research involves the toxicity, and chemical properties of medicinal plants. Most recently, Dr. Ellis led a Tropical Biology and Natural History tour of Costa Rica. Jane enjoys traveling the world and has participated in scientific conferences in Japan, Scotland, Mexico, Canada, and China.

 

 

 

B.A., Erskine College
M. A., Appalachian State University
Ph.D., Clemson University
Joined PC in 1995

 

Have a question for Dr. Ellis?
Lassiter 206
(864) 833-8416
jellis@presby.edu

 

Dr. Troy R. Nash, Associate Professor of Biology

Dr. Nash's primary area of specialization is invertebrate zoology- specifically the physiology and ecology of filter-feeding invertebrates. His other areas of interest include parasitology and genetic variation in populations of asexually reproducing invertebrates. Outside biology, he enjoys cooking, martial arts, and photography.

B.S., Lander University
Ph.D., Clemson University
Joined PC in 2002

 

Have a question for Dr. Nash?
Lassiter 105
(864) 833-8402
tnash@presby.edu

 

Mr. Daniel R. Hanks, Instructor of Biology

Daniel specializes in ecology, fisheries biology, and statistics. More specifically, his research in ecology focuses on fish movement and migration. Within the biology department, Daniel coordinates the freshman biology program. An avid naturalist, he enjoys pursuits in most anything that has to do with the outdoors, including soccer, backpacking, nature photography, rock-climbing, biking, biking, kayaking, SCUBA, and running triathlons. Daniel is a self-described general sloth of the great outdoors.

 

B.S., Presbyterian College
M.S., Western Carolina University
Joined PC in 2005

 

Have a question for Mr. Hanks?
202 Richardson
(864) 833-8513
rdhanks@presby.edu

Visit campus

Call our office at 1-800-960-7583. An admissions counselor will be glad to help you arrange a visit and meet with faculty, sit in on a class, or stay overnight in a dorm.
Email or call for more information - we look forward to hearing from you!