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Biology, Chemistry, Child Development, College Life Studies, Communication, English, English as a Second Language, Exercise Science & Wellness, Geography, History, Honors, Humanities, Math, Philosophy, Physical Science, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Teacher Education, World Languages

Dr. James Alexander is adjunct professor of cello performance and world music at Lake Michigan College. He has written and presented on the influence of Vietnamese traditional music on the cello works of P. Q. Phan, Vân-Ánh Võ, and Nhật Minh Nguyễn. He teaches all levels of cello, composition, and improvisation, intermediate guitar and piano, and beginning violin, viola, ukulele, and bass guitar.

Education: Ph.D., Michigan Technological University, Forest Science
M.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Entomology
B.S., Ohio State University, Environmental Science

Dr. Jessica Beachy is an instructor of Biology at Lake Michigan College. She teaches Environmental Biology (BIOL 109), Plant Biology (BIOL 120) and Principles of Biology II (BIOL 112) as well as Vineyard Diseases and Insects (VITI 220) for the Wine and Viticulture Technology Program. Prior to joining LMC in 2013, Dr. Beachy worked for the Grand Traverse Conservation District and was an adjunct biology instructor at Northwestern Michigan College.

Professional Memberships: Entomological Society of America
National Association of Biology Teachers
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Contributions: Dr. Beachy's research at Virginia Tech focused on the feasibility of biological control methods in Virginia vineyards. Her research at Michigan Tech focused on the management of the Emerald Ash Borer, a newly introduced invasive pest.

Professional/Real-World Experience: Dr. Beachy served in the United State Peace Corps in Bulgaria from 2001-2003. During her service, she taught environmental education at an elementary school, organized a national Earth Day education campaign, and also ran a summer leadership camp for young women. Currently Dr. Beachy is the President of the board of Sarett Nature Center.

Dr. Beck is originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and graduated from Western Michigan University. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Toledo, where he studied organometallic chemistry. Dr. Beck has taught CHEM 101, 104, 111, 112, 203, 204, and PHSC 101.

Education:
Western Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The University of Toledo, Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

Memberships: American Chemical Society, Association for Science Teacher Education, Alpha Chi Sigma, Michigan College Chemistry Teachers Association

Dr. John Beck has been the Chair of Natural Sciences, Exercise Science, and Wellness at Lake Michigan College since Summer 2019. He brings substantial expertise in green chemistry and chemical education, focusing on developing innovative laboratory experiences.
Dr. Beck earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (ACS certified) from Western Michigan University with minors in Mathematics and Business. He continued his education at the University of Toledo, where he earned his PhD.
Prior to joining Lake Michigan College, Dr. Beck worked as a postdoctoral research associate at The University of Toledo in the School of Green Chemistry and Engineering, where he investigated new carbon-nitrogen bond-forming reactions.

Leadership and Service:
Co-Chair, College Curriculum Committee
Founding Chair, Lake Michigan College Sustainability Committee
Member, Academic Leadership Council
Selected for the 2024-2025 Michigan Community College Association Leadership Academy

During his time at Western Michigan University, Dr. Beck served as Vice President of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates and was an active member of the Western Student Association (student government). At the University of Toledo, I was Treasurer for the Graduate Student Association and a charter member of the Alpha Chi Sigma chapter on campus. Dr. Beck remains committed to advancing science education, sustainability initiatives, and innovative teaching methodologies at Lake Michigan College.

I have been an active member in AMATYC and MICHMATYC for the past 10 plus years. I co-presented a paper with Peter Brown on Quantitative Literacy at the joint MAA/AMATYC Michigan conference.

Education: BS from Friends University in Mathematics
MS from Pittsburg State University in Mathematics
Additional graduate work in Computer Science from University of Kentucky
Additional graduate work in Mathematics Education from Portland State University.

Memberships: American Mathematics Association of Two Year Colleges; Michigan Mathematics Association of Two Year Colleges.

Professional/Real-World Experience: Worked as a machinist prior to teaching for 4 years. This helped me to prepare for the world of mathematics in the technologies.

Master of Science, Mathematics; Bachelor of Science, Mathematics

Doctor of Education, Pedagogy/Behavior Analysis; Master of Science, Physical Education/Motor; Bachelor of Science, Physical Education/Health

Doctorate of Chiropractic; Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering

Master of Arts, Music Performance; Bachelor of Music, Music Performance

Jessie Borgman is an adjunct instructor. She has many years of teaching experience, including both face-to-face and online. She has been with Lake Michigan College since 2008 in various roles and currently designs and teaches the online English 101 and 102 courses.

Education: Ph.D. Texas Tech University (Technical Communication & Rhetoric)
M.A. Western Michigan University (English)
B.A. Indiana University (English & History)

Personal Mantra: "Writing instructors have a unique opportunity because writing-centered online courses allow instructors and students to interact beyond content delivery...to build a community through electronic means" from Scott Warnock's book Teaching Writing Online: How & Why (2009).

Master of Science, Basic Medical Sciences; Bachelor of Science, Microbiology

Education: Indiana University at South Bend MA English BA English, History, Minor International Studies Certificate Washington State University Certificate in Sports Nutrition and Performance

Contributions:

Presented "Seeming American," an essay examining the evolution of the 21st Century student through an analysis of superheroes and social networking at the Michigan College English Association Conference 2014.

Presented "Technology as Part of the Teaching Toolkit in First-Year English" at The Innovative Educators Summit 2020 at Isle of Palms, North Carolina.

Presented several webinars on using technology in the classroom in response to the Covid-19 shutdowns.

Master of Arts, English; Bachelor of Arts, English

Master of Education, Education; Bachelor of Arts, Math, Political Science