Dr. Ryan Chabarria, Dean

Phone: 281.312.8433
Email: Ryan.E.Chabarria@lonestar.edu
Office: APA 109H

William Michael Clark, M.D., Department Chair

William Michael Clark, M.D., biology and healthcare professor, has taught at Lone Star College-Kingwood for 21 years. During his tenure, he has earned the Faculty Excellence Award. He is currently the Biological Sciences department chair; a steering committee member of the Leadership Academy and a member of the Scholarship Committee.

"My training in biology and medicine enables me to teach anatomy and physiology courses and the pathophysiology course. I also lecture in the clinical departments," he said. "I have had a very enjoyable and successful career at LSC-Kingwood."

Clark earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University, a Master of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Houston. He earned his M.D. from the University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio and completed his residency at Tulane University.

Phone: 281.312.1423
Email: Mike.Clark@lonestar.edu
Office: SIB 202W
Website: Website

Roland DeSoignie, Faculty

"Roland DeSoignie, professor of biology, joined LSC-Kingwood in 2005. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Kansas. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Physiology from the same institution.

He worked for more than 22 years at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston as a biomedical researcher in the departments of Gastroenterology and later the department of Surgery. DeSoignie is the author or co-author of approximately 50 articles and abstracts in peer reviewed scientific journals.

Topics of research ranged from the regulation of absorption in the small intestine to factors involved in the onset of multiple organ failure in shock trauma patients.

DeSoignie teaches human anatomy and physiology. He has taught as an adjunct in several area colleges.

Phone: 281.312.1726
Email: Roland.C.Desoignie@lonestar.edu
Office: SIB 202U
Website: Website

Dr. Caleb Makukutu, Faculty

Caleb Makukutu, Ph.D., professor of biology, joined LSC-Kingwood in 1991. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Technology from London South Band (formerly South Bank Polytechnic). He also attended North East Surrey College of Technology, an affiliate college of Surrey University where he earned a postgraduate diploma in Science. While at this institution, he studies microbiology and biochemistry. Makukutu continued his studies in the United States and attended Iowa State University. At this institution, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Science. He also attended the University of Texas Health Science Center, where he obtained a Master of Public Health degree. He also earned a Doctorate of Public Health in Disease Control. His focus was on infectious disease; a focus he continues to maintain.

Makukutu also earned a post doctorate fellowship in disease control at the University of Texas School of Public Health. He continued his studies, and obtained a Master of Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University. He has worked as a research and development scientist at Unilever in London. Makukutu developed odoriferous compounds used in the manufacture of perfumes, soaps and lotions. Additionally, he worked at the Iowa State Soil Laboratory, where he provided soil analyses and recommendations for the growth of different crops in the fields. He is the author of several articles in microbiology.

Phone: 281.312.1429
Email: Caleb.A.Makukutu@lonestar.edu
Office: SIB 202T
Website: Website

Dian Petty

Dian Petty, professor of biology, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in botany and horticulture from the University of Texas and Texas A&M. She continued her studies at Welder Wildlife Refuge, Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute and the Organization for Tropical Studies – La Selva and Palo Verde Biological Stations in Costa Rica.

Petty enjoyed her time at Texas A&M's Agricultural Experiment Station in El Paso and continues to be actively involved in Texas Mycological Society and volunteers for the Urban Harvest gardening programs. Currently Professor Petty is the primary online instructor in the department. She instructs all the general biology courses in an online format.

Phone: 281.312.1655
Email: Dian.Petty@lonestar.edu
Office: SIB 202K
Website: Website

Brian Róbert Shmaefsky, Ed.D

Brian Róbert Shmaefsky, Ed.D, biology professor and service learning coordinator, has taught at Lone Star College-Kingwood since 1992. During his career, he has presented a myriad of papers, earned numerous professional awards and has countless affiliations.

"I started out doing laboratory biology and then an industrial biochemist before becoming a university professor. I then wanted to do more teaching as part of my career so I came to this community college to make biology interesting and relevant to students," he said.

Currently, Shmaefsky is the chair of Lone Star College Institutional Review Board; a member of the Faculty International Exploration Review Committee and is the advisor for the Students for Animal Awareness and Wildlife club.

"I have had many responsibilities during my time at LSC-Kingwood, going from being director of the Biotechnology Program to developing new teaching strategies for general biology and forming the college's Service Learning Program," he said.

Shmaefsky earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Brooklyn College of CUNY; a Master of Science degree in environmental physiology from Southern Illinois University; and a Ed.D in science training and education from Southern Illinois University. He has completed studies at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory.

• Papers Presented, Professional Awards & Recent Publications

Phone: 281.312.1609
Email: Brian.R.Shmaefsky@lonestar.edu
Office: SIB 202V
Website: Website

Heather Scherr

Heather Scherr, assistant professor of biology, was hired as an adjunct professor in fall 2010 and has taught full time since fall 2012. She earned the Campus Technology Advisory Council Grant in 2013.

"I find biology fascinating, love learning about it, and enjoy sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm with others. Since biology pervades the daily human experience at all levels, I want students to better understand, respect, and be excited by the world around them," she said. "Ultimately, this will allow my students to critically evaluate scientific claims and make educated decisions regarding their health choices, treatment of the environment, and public policy choices."

Scherr earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Cell and Molecular Biology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Plan II Honors from the University of Texas at Austin. She earned a Master of Science degree in Biology from Gerstner Sloan-Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

"LSC-Kingwood is a supportive environment for faculty and students. The college is progressive and proactive on the whole, working to improve our approach to education and successfully guide and prepare our students for the next steps in their lives."

• Publications

Phone: 281.318.4387
Email: Heather.M.Scherr@lonestar.edu
Office: SIB 202C

Jose Sanchez

Phone: 281.312.1682
Email: Jose.E.Sanchez@lonestar.edu
Office: SIB 202G

Staff