Faculty | B.S. in Biochemistry
Jessica Lu
- Associate Professor of Chemistry
- Ph.D., Virginia Tech
- B.S., University of California, Berkeley
Jessica Lu’s teaching interests are in the areas of analytical, physical, and environmental chemistry. She teaches in the undergraduate B.S. program in Chemistry. Her courses include Analytical Chemistry lecture and lab, where students learn how to detect and quantify chemicals in laboratory and real-world samples, and Physical Chemistry, where students study the underlying physical principles...
Courses
- CHEM 105 General Chemistry I - Lecture and Lab
- CHEM 106 General Chemistry II - Lecture and Lab
- CHEM 332 Environmental Chemistry- Lecture and Lab
- CHEM 350 Analytical Chemistry- Lecture and Lab
- CHEM 360 Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 402 Physical Chemistry I - Lecture and Lab
- CHEM 405 Physical Chemistry II - Lecture and Lab
Research Interests
- Chemistry (Analytical, Green, Physical)
- Atmospheric and Environmental Science
Heeyeon Cho
- Assistant Professor of Chemistry
- Ph.D., Seoul National University, South Korea
- M.S., Seoul National University, South Korea
- B.S., Chungbuk National University, South Korea
Dr. Heeyeon Cho is teaching Biochemistry II, Principles of general, organic, and biochemistry lectures, and labs in the undergraduate B.S. programs. She enjoys integrating the Christian faith during the class lectures and has a passion to see God’s glory in transforming students’ lives who can lead many to righteousness and be the light and the salt of this world (Daniel 12:3). Prior to joining...
Courses
- CHEM120 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
- CHEM120 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry-Lab
- CHEM 311 & CHEM 312 Organic Chemistry Labs
- CHEM 412 Biochemistry II
Research Interests
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics
- Protein Biochemistry
Richard Gunasekera
- Research Professor of Science, Technology and Health
- Professor of Biological Sciences
- Professor of Biochemistry
- Ph.D., Baylor University
- M.S., Baylor University
- M.S., University of Houston-Clear Lake
- B.S., Baylor University
- Postdoctoral Fellowship - Baylor College of Medicine
Richard Gunasekera, Ph.D., has enjoyed a 20-year career in higher education as professor and a scientist in the field of Biochemical Genetics and Nanomedicine. He earned his bachelor’s in biochemistry at Baylor University, where he researched and published in organic synthesis as an undergraduate. Gunasekera earned a master’s degree in bio-organic chemistry from the University of Houston-Clear...
Courses
- CHEM 120 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
- CHEM 413 Biochemistry Lab
- CHEM 490 Nanomedicine, Cancer, and Genomics- Directed Research
Research Interests
- Cancer Biology
- Nano-Molecules
- Biochemical Genetics of Neurodegenerative Disorders
- Forensic DNA
- Phytochemical Research
Dana Johnson
- Program Chair of Chemistry
- Associate Professor of Chemistry
- Ph.D., Colorado State University
- M.A., Biola University
- B.S., California State University, Long Beach
I was among the first graduates of the Master’s in Science and Religion program here at Biola, coming back to teach organic chemistry after earning a doctorate in the field. I love teaching, especially informally in small groups in my office.
Courses
- CHEM 105 General Chemistry I
- CHEM 120 Principles of Organic and Biochemistry
- CHEM 301 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 302 Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 311 Organic Chemistry Labs I
- CHEM 312 Organic Chemistry Labs II
- CHEM 411 Biochemistry I
- CHEM 412 Biochemistry II
- CHEM 430 Advanced Organic Chemistry
Mark Pichaj
- Assistant Professor of Physical Science
- M.A., California State University, Northridge
- M.A., Talbot School of Theology
- B.S., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
I teach a number of introductory courses for science majors and general education courses for non-science majors. I used to be a high school science teacher in Los Angeles and one of my passions is to strengthen and equip prospective science teachers. Accordingly, I am especially interested in using demonstrations in formal and informal science education, safety in the chemical laboratory, and integrating the teaching of science with our Christian faith.
Courses
- CHEM 100 The Chemistry of Everyday Life
- CHEM 105 General Chemistry I - Lecture and Lab
- CHEM 106 General Chemistry Lab II
- CHEM 107 Introduction to Chemistry
- PHSC 101 Physical Science Survey