معرفی
Karissa Carlson serves as Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, where she leverages her expertise in biochemical mechanisms to advance both research and undergraduate education. A Northwestern College alumna herself, she returned to her alma mater after doctoral studies to cultivate scientific curiosity in students while maintaining active research programs.
Her educational foundation includes:
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Iowa (2008)
- B.A. in Chemistry, Northwestern College, summa cum laude (2003)
Dr. Carlson's research examines how specialized DNA polymerases replicate damaged DNA and how signaling proteins regulate blood vessel dilation enzymes. Her work reveals fundamental biological patterns where structural changes drive functional outcomes, published in high-impact journals like Molecular and Cellular Biology and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. She connects these complex processes to broader themes of scientific wonder, describing discovery as 'the most genuine form of worship.'
Her scholarly recognition includes:
- American Heart Association predoctoral fellowship (2006)
As an educator, Dr. Carlson mentors undergraduate researchers while balancing motherhood of three children. She draws parallels between children's innate observational skills and the scientific method, emphasizing that 'everything is new to them and they're trying to collect enough data to draw hypotheses.' Her weekly lunches with former college classmates, including a fellow Northwestern staff member, reflect deep community ties within the institution.
