David J. Veselik Teaching Professor

Current Courses:

Cell Biology (BIOS 30341)
This course explores the fundamental structural and functional basis of cell biology, with specific emphasis on molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular activities involved in ion and solute transport, organelle biogenesis, protein trafficking and vesicular transport, intracellular communication and signaling, cell cycle growth control regulation, and cytomechanics. The lecture portion of the course is dedicated to exposing students to the protein machinery driving cell functions, while the laboratory complements lecture by providing a combination of experiments and opportunities for project-based investigation focused on elucidating basic cell function.

Cell Biology Laboratory (BIOS 31341)
This laboratory course exposes students to a variety of techniques in modern cell biology. Students will get hands-on experience in working with cultured cell lines, including sterile technique, media preparation, and passaging of cells. Individual experiments will include assessment of cell growth and apoptosis, examination of subcellular structure using fluorescent microscopy, separation and analysis of nucleic acids and proteins, enzyme assays, and measurement of cell cycle by flow cytometry. It provides an excellent introduction to the approaches routinely used in analysis of cells and their functions.

Life Science Track, Summer Scholars Pre-College Program (PCSE 00510 01)
In this summer course co-taught with Mark Olsen, Life Science Track students engage in two major areas of study: Ecology and Environmental Science and the Molecular Genetics of Disease. Both content areas foster collaborative problem solving skills and experiential understanding of science by actively involving students in the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments in molecular biology (cancer biology and molecular genetics) and environmental science (stream environmental assessment/restoration and lake ecosystem management). In the ecology and environmental science component I teach, students investigate unique local ecosystems including Warren Dunes, Michigan (ecological succession, geologic history and ecosystem management) and Warren Woods, Michigan (ecology of rare, old growth forest), conduct projects involving field assessments of environmental quality in a local stream ecosystem as well as comparative sampling of physical and biological characteristics of Notre Dame’s two campus lakes. During colloquia and on field trips with Notre Dame researchers, students discuss benefits and liabilities of lake management and stream restoration strategies described in the published literature.

Biology II: Molecules to Ecosystems (BIOS 10172)
This is the second course in the two-course Introductory Biology series. Molecules to Ecosystems provides an opportunity to master and integrate the five key biological concepts - evolution; structure and function; information flow, exchange, and storage; pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and systems. Throughout the course students are challenged to make connections among these concepts and apply them to their own biological questions. For more information about course format and content see the Department of Biological Sciences homepage.Most students enroll concurrently in BIOS 11174 Research Experience in Biology Laboratory (1 CREDIT).

Biography:

• Assistant Dean, undergraduate advising 2021-Present
• Dockweiler Award for Undergraduate Advising  2017
• Director of Undergraduate Studies, Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame 2013-2021
• Academic Co-Director, Summer Scholars Program, Life Science, University of Notre Dame 2011-Present
• Associate Teaching Professor, University of Notre Dame 2016-Present
• Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Notre Dame 2009-2016
• Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Notre Dame 2007-2009
• Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Notre Dame 2006-2007
• Ph.D., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University 2006

Selected Professional Activities:

• The Bald and the Beautiful Faculty Advisor, University of Notre Dame
• Biology Club Faculty Advisor, University of Notre Dame
• Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) cohort, University of Notre Dame
• Notre Dame Center for STEM Education Collaborator
• NAAHP member