Faculty List

Karin A Grimnes, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology
Joined Alma College Faculty in 1986
Dow 215
(989) 463-7189
Office Hours: Numerous times posted on door and by appt.
Homepage: http://othello.alma.edu/~grimnes
Download My Full Vita

Understanding biology rests on a number of supporting skills. I help students to translate the complex world of modern biology, and to relate these ideas to everyday phenomena and to other science fields. I seek to use critical thinking, roleplay simulations, classic strategies and active learning techniques to accomplish my educational goals. I also teach academic success skills to a wide range of students.

My biological research involves the study of insect reproduction, especially the contribution the male accessory glands make toward sperm success after mating. My educational research involves increasing the effectiveness of idea delivery and experimental teaching techniques.

I am also a haiku and tanka poet with poems in national and regional journals.

Education

  • 1976 B.A., Zoology, summa cum laude, University of South Florida, Tampa
  • 1982 Ph.D., Michigan State University, Department of Zoology

Research Interests

Case studies and roleplay simulations in science education,
Differentiation in reproductive accessory glands in insects
Tenebrio molitor (mealworm beetles), Tribolium spp. (flour beetles),
and Boisea trivittata (boxelder bug).

Recent Courses Taught

  • General Biology.  BIO 101.
  • Immunology.  BIO 330.
  • First Year Seminar Your Inner Fish.  FYS 101.02.
  • Developmental Biology.  BIO 205.

Selected Articles

Recent Presentations

  • Kay Grimnes.  "Podcasting biology text figures: Student opinions."  Association of College and University Biology Educators.  Hopkinsville, KY.  Oct 2008.
  • Kay Grimnes with Elizabeth McCain and Cindy Trussell.  "The Case for VIOXX."  National Center for Case Studies Worshop and Conference.  Buffalo, NY.  June 2006.

Awards, Honors, Recognitions

  • Posey Award for Faculty Excellence

Professional Memberships

  • Association for Biology Laboratory Educators
  • Michigan Entomological Society
  • Michigan Science Teachers Association
  • National Association of Biology Teachers
  • National Association of College Advisors
  • National Science Teachers Association
  • Michigan Academy
  • Association of College and University Biology Educators

Service to the College

  • Academic Advising Website and Success Manual
  • Admissions events, talks,
  • Presentations in English classes about haiku
  • Pre-Medical (and other health areas) Advisor

 

Alma College graduates have extraordinary placement rates into medical and law schools. Alma’s 84 percent placement rate into medical school compares to a 46.3 percent national average. Alma’s placement rate for law school is 86.9 percent, compared to a 66.8 percent national average.

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Student Profile

Morgan Beeler

Morgan Beeler
Graduation: 2014
Major: Environmental Policy

When Fremont junior Morgan Beeler first visited Alma College, she immediately crossed it off her list of potential college choices. But once she took a better look at all the opportunities Alma gave its students, she says she quickly reconsidered.

“I’ve been able to get involved in so many amazing things here: Public Affairs Institute, P-Global, Model UN, Center for Responsible Leadership, Kappa Iota and Alma Symphony Orchestra,” she says. “Not only are all of these experiences going to benefit me on a graduate school application, but they have really molded me as a person. I now know who I am and what I want to do with my life.”

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