Josette Ricker

Josette Ricker is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of North Georgia, based at the Oconee campus with her office in the Student Resource Center, room 553. She teaches foundational courses including BIOL 1101/Lab (Introductory Biology), BIOL 1107K (Principles of Biology I), and BIOL 1108K (Principles of Biology II).

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California at Davis (2003)
• B.S. in Physics from the University of South Florida (1998)

Dr. Ricker's research spans cryobiology, cell membrane biophysics, and biomimetic surface development. She investigates tissue preservation techniques for stem cells and gametes, while also studying human HDL effects on trypanosome membrane behavior—a critical area in parasitology and lipid metabolism. Her expertise extends to reproductive biology (theriogenology) with applications in animal science.

No scientific awards or honors are documented in her current faculty profile.

As an academic advisor, she guides Biology students through pre-professional tracks including Pre-Medicine, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, Pre-Dentistry, and six additional health professions pathways. She maintains an association with the Environmental Leadership Center, though specific project involvement isn't detailed. Research grant information remains unspecified in available materials.

Her laboratory operations and research team structure aren't explicitly described, though her work clearly integrates biophysical approaches to biological preservation challenges within the Biology Department framework.