Cristi Hunnes

Dr. Cristi Hunnes is a Professor of Chemistry and Biology at Rocky Mountain College, where she has taught since 1994. She holds a B.A. from Carleton College and a Ph.D. in inorganic biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her career bridges academia and industry, including research at Eli Lilly (pharmaceutical drug development) and Energy Laboratories (environmental testing). At RMC, she emphasizes hands-on teaching, small-class engagement, and undergraduate research funded by an NIH grant. She teaches courses such as Biochemistry I, Microbiology, and Pharmaceutical Science.

Her research interests span nickel enzymes in methanogenic bacteria, biomedical sciences, and environmental chemistry. Through her NIH grant, she mentors students in biomedical research. She also supervises Environmental Health Research projects. Beyond academia, she actively volunteers with the Salvation Army, plays flute in a community band, and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.