Faculty Friday; Meet Dr. Matthew Weeg, Biology
Posted: January 26, 2017 | Author: Lexi Carter | Read Time: 2 minutes
Studying how fish hear as well as analyzing the effects of plants on human cardiovascular systems are two topics Dr. Matthew Weeg feels passionate about. Committed to undergraduate education and excellence in the classroom, Weeg, Southern Utah University assistant professor of biology enjoys each day he spends in the classroom with students. Weeg has taught biology for more than ten years, spending the last six at SUU.
Weeg received his Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Behavior from Cornell University in 2002, and previously studied Biology at the University of Idaho. Throughout his education and professional career, he has studied neurobiology of sensory systems and interactions between sensory and motor systems.
Weeg teaches the following classes:
- BIOL 1610/1615: General Biology I
- BIOL 2170: Introduction to Human Pathophysiology
- BIOL 2420/2425: Human Physiology
- BIOL 3270/3275: Vertebrate Physiology
- BIOL 4410: Animal Behavior
- BIOL 4400: Neurobiology
A student of knowledge, Weeg’s love of learning led him to the field of higher education where he researches with students and professors on a variety of projects. Before arriving at SUU, he taught at Colorado State University, Michigan Technological University and Penn State Altoona.
“It is extremely gratifying to support students as they challenge themselves,” Weeg said. “I enjoy breaking down complicated processes and helping students put the pieces back together to gain understanding of the entire process.”
Along with educating budding biology students, Weeg actively participates in a number of research projects, which is nothing new for him. Professional research has taken him through muddy ponds hunting frogs, to streams searching for fish, and to fields for scraping fleas from prairie dogs. Weeg’s career as a student and educator has led him across the country, exposing him to many differing viewpoints, opinions and experiences.
Weeg recently received an SUU Influencer Award for his dedicated persistence in working with undergraduates on research. He is also associate director of the Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning at SUU, an organization that promotes excellence in teaching and supports faculty learning both in and outside of the classroom.
According to Weeg, “What stands out to me as a teacher is the natural curiosity of students and those moments when a student discovers something new and says, ‘That is so cool!’”
“I may teach the same material year after year, but the novelty factor for my students makes it never get old,” he said.
When not in the classroom or research lab, Weeg can be found adventuring outside with his wife and son. He also enjoys every opportunity to cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks.
This article was published more than 5 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
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