Olivet Nazarene University - Biology

05/28/2026

Our Biology and Engineering Guatemala team returned home this week after serving alongside partners at El Puente mission station in Chisec, Guatemala, home to AgInno Institute, and later with Mission Impact in San Pedro El Cerro.

Dr. Nick Troendle, Stephanie Troendle, biology students Hanna Chung and Sophie Dagnall, along with Dr. Joe Schroeder, Troy Lovell, and ONU engineering students spent time working on projects focused on sustainable food systems and community health.

While in Chisec, the engineering team worked on an automated fish feeding machine for the tilapia aquaculture facility, while the biology team designed and constructed a tilapia breeding system. Together, these projects help support reliable food access and additional income opportunities within local communities. The team also helped catch and sort more than 2,400 tilapia!

After the Engineering team returned home, the Biology team continued on to San Pedro El Cerro to partner with Mission Impact in building fuel-efficient wood stoves for local families. These stoves use less wood and safely vent smoke outside the home, helping reduce serious health risks caused by indoor smoke exposure from open-fire cooking.

It was a great opportunity for students to see science, faith, and service come together in practical ways while working alongside communities in Guatemala!

05/19/2026

ONU Biology faculty and students have officially arrived in Papua New Guinea and Guatemala for two exciting international trips!

Dr. Nicole Vander Schaaf and students recently arrived at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Papua New Guinea as part of ONU’s Shalom Project, where they’ll be supporting ongoing medical and HPV testing research alongside missionaries and partners in the region.

At the same time, Dr. Nick Troendle and students arrived at El Puente mission station in Guatemala to continue collaborative ONU Biology and Engineering work with partners at AgInno Institute.

Please join us in praying for safe travels, meaningful connections, and impactful work throughout these trips.

We’re looking forward to sharing more information, photos and updates in the coming weeks!

05/12/2026

We are so proud to share that two Biology graduates received ONU’s top senior honors awards at Saturday’s commencement ceremony.

Sadie Blaszczyk received the Maggie Sloan Crawford Honors Award, and Kyle Neuber received the Robert M. Milner Honors Award. These awards recognize one woman and one man among the entire graduating class who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, Christian character, leadership, and service.

Having both awards go to Biology majors from the Class of 2026 is such a special honor. Congratulations, Sadie and Kyle!

05/09/2026

This morning, we celebrated the Class of 2026 with a graduation breakfast reception.

It was great getting to spend time with our graduates and their families, hear about their plans after Olivet, and celebrate everything they’ve accomplished over the last few years. Students shared plans ranging from medical school, veterinary school, PhD and master’s programs, research and environmental work, teaching, and even a position at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

This year, we’re celebrating 26 graduates across Biology, Zoology, Environmental Science, and Science Education majors within ONU’s Walker D. Martin School of STEM.

We’re proud of this group and excited to see where life takes them next. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

05/07/2026

Dr. Parry Kietzman was recently featured on Shine.FM’s “The Home and the Maker” podcast talking about pollinators, native plants, and simple ways we can better support local ecosystems.

The episode also highlights ONU’s Swanberg Sanctuary near Momence, a 100-acre preserve used for student research, conservation work, and field classes for biology, zoology, and environmental science students.

It’s a really interesting conversation with practical gardening tips and a thoughtful look at stewardship, creation, and caring for the natural world around us.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/OggiC_7RkqU?si=J9HbOtDJk2VQ5Xtp

Why are pollinators, like bees and butterflies, so important to the garden, and how do we encourage their presence? And why are native plants and wildflowers...

05/01/2026

☕️ Biophilic Club is hosting a Pop Up Cafe upstairs in the Reed Atrium this morning. 🍩

Stop by before 10:30 am, or while supplies last, for coffee with lots of add-ins and some treats. Big thanks to Cafe Leo for helping sponsor the event. Pictured here are bio majors Griffin and Miles helping run the pop up this morning.

Cafe Leo is the coffee hangout in Dr. Aggie Veld’s office where students from all majors stop in to spend time, study, and connect. It started a few years ago and was named in honor of Dr. Leo Finkenbinder, a longtime biology professor whose love for students, creation, and community made a lasting impact here at Olivet.

Come grab a cup while you can.

04/28/2026

Yesterday Reed Hall of Science got a little messy… in the best way 😄

Biophilic kicked off a “Pie Your Professor” raffle to bring STEM students and faculty together at the end of the semester, and it quickly grew into a full STEM event with Chemistry, Engineering, and Earth & Space joining in.

Students and faculty bought raffle tickets for the professors they wanted to see pied, and let’s just say… there was some strategy involved 👀 (including a tie). In the end, 6 professors took one for the team, including our two biology professors, Dr. Troendle and Dr. Long.

This event was all about building community and giving STEM students something fun to look forward to, and it really delivered. We’re so grateful for faculty who are willing to show up and get pied, and for students who made it such a success 🎉

Swipe for more photos and videos.

Already looking forward to next year!

04/15/2026

It’s ONU’s Day of Giving!

If you’d like to support Biology and the natural sciences, consider giving through Catalyst ONU.

Catalyst ONU connects alumni with current students to fund research, field experiences, educational conferences, and hands-on opportunities in the natural sciences.

Be a part of shaping the next generation of Christian scientists.
Any amount is appreciated!

Give here: https://www.givecampus.com/s/f4rr6l

04/13/2026

This weekend, our ONU Animal Outreach team had their annual Animal Extravaganza, a free event for the public of all ages to come learn about all the animals we have. It was a huge success, with over 300 visitors in attendance!

09/15/2025

Just a reminder - don’t forget to submit those photos! The September 22nd deadline is fast approaching and we need more photo submissions for this year’s contest!