Emma Purfeerst

Emma Purfeerst serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Biology Department and Head Coach for Women's Basketball at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. Based in office SFC 204 within the Sports and Fitness Center, she bridges academic instruction with athletic leadership through courses spanning biological sciences and physical education.

Her research and teaching interests focus on Human Anatomy, Physical Education, and Sports Coaching methodologies, particularly in basketball and health applications. This specialization is reflected in her course offerings including BIOL 221 Human Anatomy and Lab, HLTH 206 Advanced First Aid and CPR, and PHED 306 Methods of Coaching, demonstrating integration of biological sciences with athletic performance.

As Head Coach of Women's Basketball, she oversees varsity team development while maintaining active classroom engagement. Her dual role emphasizes practical applications of anatomy and health sciences in sports contexts, with recent instruction covering team sports, lifetime fitness activities, and coaching techniques through PHED 221, PHED 222, and VARS 102 courses.