Barbara Sisson

Barbara Sisson is an Associate Professor of Biology and Chair of the Biology department at Ripon College. She is affiliated with the Franzen Science Center (Office 230). Her research focuses on developmental biology, particularly how cartilage cells acquire shape using zebrafish as a model system for studying human facial birth defects. She teaches courses including Introductory Biology, Scientific Writing and Communication, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Cancer Biology.

Education: Ph.D. from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine (Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute), B.A. from Lake Forest College. Postdoctoral training at Northwestern University’s Department of Pediatrics.

Her lab investigates cellular mechanisms in developmental biology with implications for congenital defects. No specific grants or awards are listed, though her work integrates multiple disciplines including molecular genetics and embryology. She emphasizes hands-on teaching in cellular processes, notably expressing enthusiasm for visualizing protein dynamics within cells.