Pre-Health Advisors
Who we are
As pre-health advisors, we advise on the preparation for the application and admission to professional programs you plan to attend after obtaining your undergraduate degree. While your primary academic advisor ensures you meet the requirements for graduation from your major or program at Butler, we ensure you meet the requirements for admission into a post-undergraduate health professions school.
What we do
Our goal is to help you realize your potential and become the strongest candidate for the next step in your healthcare professions career.
We do so by doing the following:
- Present overviews and lead workshops for important topics, host professional schools on campus, and provide developmental opportunities for students
- Meet one-on-one to discuss both curricular and extracurricular activities
- Advocate for the needs of pre-health students on campus
Contact your pre-health advisors below to join the Pre-Health Canvas page for more information on these events, academic and pre-health resources, and how to schedule academic advising meetings with a pre-health advisor.
Senior Pre-Health Professions Faculty Advisor (Juniors and Seniors)
Educational Experiences
In 2015, I earned my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in Life Sciences from the Indiana University School of Medicine, where I was a graduate student in Dr. Margaret Bauer’s lab. My thesis research focused on how pathogenic bacteria were capable of evading the immune response by specifically studying the sexually transmitted infection Haemophilus ducreyi. We discovered and characterized multiple genes and mechanisms involved in this bacterium’s ability to escape destruction by the human innate immune system, which is ultimately ineffective in controlling this infection.
I completed my undergraduate education at Butler University in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology and a Chemistry minor. As a student at Butler, I was involved in a number of campus organizations and activities, including but not limited to the Student Government Association, the Butler University Student Foundation, Greek Life, the Dawg Pound, and the Biology Department as a Lab Assistant and Tutor. I was a member of the Butler University Football Team for a portion of my undergraduate years and continued participating in a number of intramural activities after. Lastly, I partook in several years of undergraduate research in Dr. Villani’s Lab, and I participated in the 2008 Butler Summer Institute.
Courses Taught and University Service
As an instructor, I aim to provide a high quality of education by promoting an intellectually stimulating environment, developing a foundation of critical thinking, and demonstrating a personal interest in all students. The main courses I teach are Principles of Immunology (BI 323) in the fall and Principles of Pathogenic Microbiology (BI 325) in the spring. I also am heavily involved in the Biology Fundamentals series, specifically teaching Genetics (BI 210). I will also occasionally teach Biology and Society (NW 200-BI) and the senior Biology Capstone class (BI 480).
As a faculty member, I currently serve as the Pre-Health Professions Advisor, and I am a member of the Butler Giving Circle Executive Committee, the LAS Essay Contest Committee, the Biological Equipment and Resources Committee, and the Biological Public Relations Committee to name a few. I currently serve as a faculty advisor for the Pre-Dental and Pre-Physical Therapy Clubs, the Kids in Nutrition Organization, the Butler University Club Hockey Team, the Butler University Boxing Club, the Sigma Nu Fraternity, and the Butler Cru and Athletes in Action Campus Ministries. I also helped establish the Trombley Family Endowed Scholarship at Butler University.
Research Interests
Summative focus: Studying microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents, including components of the immune system, chemicals used to disinfectant, and antibiotics used for treatment
Examples of Projects:
- Characterized human antimicrobial peptide resistance in the plant pathogens Pseudomonassyringae and Erwinia amylovora
- Examined and characterized the normal flora and potential as a pathogen vector on the Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
- Examined common surfaces for bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance phenotypes as well as resistance to household disinfectants
- Analyzed the Butler University Canal and White River for the presence of fecal coliforms on a weekly basis, additionally assessing these coliforms for pathogenic strains and antibiotic resistance
- Examined “clean water” disinfectant methods suggested by the WHO and CDC for effectiveness at eliminating river pathogens
- Examined lead aprons from various hospitals for presence of potential pathogen organisms and assessed these microbes for antimicrobial resistance
- Analyzed the presence of microbes found on Tyrannosaurus rex femur from the Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Personal Life
I am a native of Ohio but have been a Hoosier for the past 20 years. While I do enjoy my time at Butler, I cherish my role as a husband to my wife Amanda and as a father to my daughter Olivia. We love the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children’s Museum, going to the park, and walking our 215 lb English Mastiff named Kingsley. When I’m not spending time with my family, I enjoy many different fitness activities, reading a good book, and taking an active role in my local church. I also find myself heavily involved with Butler Athletics, and you can probably find me at basketball, football, or baseball games. Go Dawgs!
