Michael Wolyniak

Dr. Michael Wolyniak serves as the McGavacks Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Research at Hampden-Sydney College, where he maintains an active research program while teaching core courses in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genomics, and Biochemistry. His institutional leadership extends to committee service including Freshman Advising Honors Council chair and Academic Facilities Committee.

Wolyniak's research spans molecular biology fundamentals with recent applications in engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for brewing with Third Street Brewing Company, and public health policy analysis. His work demonstrates strong community engagement through partnerships with Virginia Math and Science Coalition and Virginia Academy of Science (where he served as Past-President).

His publication record shows consistent leadership in science education research, particularly in Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs), CRISPR education, and Vision & Change implementation. Recent work (2023-2025) focuses on educational transformation networks, climate vulnerability assessment, and vaccine science communication, reflecting interdisciplinary breadth.

• National Science Foundation (NSF) Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) Award (2022-2025)
• Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges Teaching Excellence Award (2022)
• McGavacks Professorship (2020)
• Two Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition "Program That Works" Awards (2018, 2020)
• Senior Class Award (2019)

Wolyniak mentors extensive undergraduate research, evidenced by student co-authors on publications and genomic database entries. He leads the MIRIC network for CURE development and serves on national committees including ASBMB Science Outreach and CUR Biology Division Council. His laboratory work integrates yeast molecular biology with community applications, while his educational leadership shapes national biology curriculum standards through PULSE and Vision & Change initiatives.