Jennifer Piechowski

Title: IB PhD Student
Dept/Program: Biology
Email: jmp310@zips.uakron.edu

Biography

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Baldwin-Wallace College (now known as Baldwin Wallace University) and a Master of Science degree in Biology from Case Western Reserve University.  While working towards my Bachelor’s degree, I had a strong focus on the anatomical sciences while also taking courses in plant biology.  My initial intent was to go to medical school but after having the opportunity to teach cadaver based Anatomy and Physiology at Baldwin Wallace, I realized my true passion is teaching and decided to continue my education to be able to teach full time at the college level.  To accomplish this, I decided to go on for a Master’s degree at Case where my thesis research focused on plant genetics.  While at Case, I continued to support my interest in anatomy by being a teaching assistant for Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses.  After graduating with my Master’s degree I taught Anatomy and Physiology at Cuyahoga Community College. 

I am excited to be working towards my PhD in Integrated Bioscience in the Biology Department where I will be studying cardiovascular development using the zebrafish model in Dr. Brian Bagatto’s lab.  Specifically, I am interested in studying regenerative capabilities of cardiac tissue.  It is because I have such a diverse background in biology with interests ranging from the anatomical sciences to plant biology that the Integrated Bioscience program at the University of Akron is an ideal fit for me.                                                                                                                                                                  

Education

• M.S. in Biology; Case Western Reserve University
• B.S. in Biology; Baldwin-Wallace College