James Henkel

James Henkel is an Associate Professor of Biology at Wisconsin Lutheran College, specializing in microbiology and biochemistry. His research explores Chlamydia survival mechanisms in host cells, vitamin dynamics in infections, and collaborative anthropological studies of historical diseases. He teaches courses including Microbiology, Pathogenic Microbiology, and Biochemistry.

He holds a B.S. in Biology (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 2000), an M.S. in Clinical Microbiology (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, 2003), a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology (Medical College of Wisconsin, 2009), and completed postdoctoral research at Uniformed Services University (2012).

His research integrates biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular techniques to investigate bacterial pathogenesis and host interactions, with recent work on ancient disease biomarkers. Publications focus on forensic pathology, vaccine development, and zoonotic disease ecology, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches.

He mentors undergraduate researchers in microbial detection, toxin analysis, and coral disease ecology, emphasizing hands-on training regardless of prior experience.