Biology Faculty Image Sherri Buerdsell, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of BiologyContact via email717-264-4418Sherri L. Buerdsell, Ph.D., brings a dynamic blend of scientific expertise and educational innovation to her role as assistant professor of biology, specializing in ecology and conservation biology. With dual doctorates from New Mexico State University (NMSU) ºìÌÒÊÓƵ —one in biology and another in curriculum and instruction, with a focus on critical pedagogies in post-secondary science education, and a graduate minor in experimental statistics, she bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and transformative teaching. Her academic career also includes two Master of Science degrees: one in range science from New Mexico State and another in environmental biology from Hood College. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in biology, with an emphasis in ecology, from Susquehanna University. As a specialist in plant invasion and community ecology, Buerdsell ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s research is published in several journals, including NeoBiota, The Journal of Arid Environments, and Biosphere.Her mentorship of student researchers has led to diverse and impactful projects, including exploring the relationship between gypsy moth reproduction and tree species; red fox and swift fox behaviors; stress cortisol levels in roosting bats; grey squirrel seed preference; and post-fire regeneration of plant communities. Besides teaching the General Biology sequence (BIO 101 and 102), Buerdsell also teaches a wide range of courses including Ecology (BIO 314), Invertebrate Zoology (BIO 206), Conservation Biology (BIO 230), Animal Behavior (BIO 220), Botany (BIO 210), Evolution (BIO 309), and Marine Biology (BIO 223). Image Amber Marble, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of BiologyContact via email717-709-6230Amber Marble, Ph.D., joined the ºìÌÒÊÓƵ faculty in Fall 2024 as an assistant professor of biology.Marble earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Mercyhurst University in 2018 and continued her education at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, where she received her doctorate in microbiology.During her graduate studies, her research focused on studying the cellular biology and genetic manipulation of the opportunistic human fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans. Marble was a teaching assistant for five semesters at The University of Georgia, teaching microbiology labs for both majors and non-majors. Nominated by her department, Marble received the University ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award in April 2024.Her professional memberships include the American Society of Microbiology (ASM). She teaches/will teach clinical aspects of microbiology, genetics, microbiology, and contemporary biology classes. In addition, Marble serves as an advisor for senior research projects. Carlee Resh, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of BiologyContact via emailCarlee Resh, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of biology at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ and a molecular ecologist with broad interests in the ecology and evolution of aquatic animals. She earned a Bachelor of Science in marine science: vertebrate zoology in 2006 from Southampton College of Long Island University, a Master of Science in biology in 2012 from Long Island University-Post, and a doctorate in earth and ecosystem sciences in 2020 from Central Michigan University. Resh ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s research has focused on developmental gene expression in larval marine invertebrates, and, more recently, population genomics of rare species in aquatic systems. At the heart of her work is a drive to uncover the genetic and ecological factors that help animals survive ºìÌÒÊÓƵ —knowledge that plays a vital role in their conservation and sustainable management. She teaches a variety of courses at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ, including General Biology, Contemporary Biology, Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates, Invertebrate Zoology, and Molecular Cell Biology. Image Hailey Steele, '25Lecturer of Laboratory BiologyContact via emailHailey Steele ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’25, lecturer of laboratory biology at ºìÌÒÊÓƵ, instructs the lab sections for the general biology and contemporary biology courses. She earned a bachelor ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’s degree in biology from Wilson, with dual minors in chemistry and healthcare and medical humanities, in 2025. While at Wilson, Steele received the prestigious 2024-2025 Margaret Criswell Disert ºìÌÒÊÓƵ ’20 Honors Scholarship, awarded to a rising senior based on proposals for senior advanced study and research. Her senior research involved an in vitro study exposing human colon cells to synthetic dye Red 40 and its metabolite, which resulted in significant cell death after exposure. The study, which earned third place honors at the 100th Annual Pennsylvania Academy of Science Conference in 2025, explored the relationship of artificial dyes and inflammation in the human colon, aiming to determine their potential role in increasing cases of early-onset colorectal cancer. Outside the lab, Steele enjoys going for walks, playing pickleball, drinking coffee, and propagating plants. Adjunct FacultyBradley Stiles, Ph.D. Biology Biology Learning Outcomes Biology Faculty Events and Projects Course Requirements ºìÌÒÊÓƵ and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
