be_ixf;ym_202410 d_12; ct_100

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Michael Tenneson

Name: Michael Tenneson

Current Position: Professor of Biology, Chair Department of Natural and Applied Sciences

Courses Taught: University Seminar, Zoology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Medical Terminology, Introductory Biology, Senior Seminar, Biostatistics, Marine Biology, History and Philosophy of Science.

Hometown: Napa, California

Degrees and Grad Year: B.A. University of California, Los Angeles (1980)
M.S. University of North Dakota (1983)
M.A. Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (1991)
Ph.D. The University of Missouri, Columbia (2002)

Tell us about your career and what you do now.

I teach and mentor biology majors, and oversee the operations of the Department of Natural and Applied Sciences.

What is your favorite memory as faculty?

When my lab students prayed for me.

How do you help your students identify/develop their calling?

Through advising meetings, frequent in-class conversations about discerning God’s leading through experience in classes, but more so through interning and shadowing.

How do you try to prepare them for life after graduation?

I make sure they are prepared for the next academic step (e.g. grad school), but more importantly that they seek to live balanced lives of integrity.

What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Col 3:23). 

What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates?

Someone who is teachable, humble, passionate, and team-oriented.