Dr. B-J Ellis, Assistant Division Dean
Professor of Biology
Coordinator, Biotechnology Programs
Office: 314 Howsman Hall
Phone: 703-257-6648
e-mail: nvellib@nvcc.edu

Education
B.A. in Biology/Chemistry, University of Maine, Orono
M.S. in Clinical Pathology, Ohio State University
Ph.D. in Invertebrate Pathology, Ohio State University

Courses 
General Biology I-II (BIO 101-102)
Seminar I (BIO 195)
Cell Biology (BIO 206)
Seminar II/ III (BIO 295)

Connections
The connections within biology, as well as to other areas (such as economics and history) never cease to amaze me. Some of connections I find most fascinating are:

• the role of magnetism in species migration, cell migration (during embryogenesis), and chromosome migration during cell division;
• the specificity of cell receptors for particular molecules (signals), and bacteria and viruses (why don't bacteria and viruses which attack plants or insects also infect humans?);
• the role of raptors and big cats in the food web, and what their endangered status indicates or predicts;
• the role of bioluminescence (things that glow), in plants, animals, and bacteria;
• life at hydrothermal vents in the ocean floor;
• the influence biology has on history, economics, biotechnology, and the stability of nations.

On-going Projects
I am looking for students to help collect and contribute to a publishable paper containing data about beaver cuttings: Do Beavers Know What They Are Doing When They Fell a Tree? Do they realize or plan which way the tree will fall? Is it intentional or accidental? (BIO 295 credit can be arranged for individual students.)
The learning process can be successful, even for visually impaired students in biology : dyslexia, partial blindness, legal blindness, and complete blindness. (Pay is available for student work on a raised drawing collection.)

Individual Mission Statement
To develop student-citizen general awareness and intellect through the discovery of designs and use of guided discussions in biology.

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