Dr. Paul Egland
Biology Instructor
B.A. Luther College
Ph.D. University of Iowa
Post-doctoral studies, National Institute of Health

How did life's path lead you to Augustana? Why do you stay?
I realized while I was a graduate student and post-doc, that, although I enjoyed doing experiments in the lab and the thinking that goes with that, one of my favorite things about the laboratory was the teaching that goes on there. Augustana is a place where I can have the balance of teaching (the most important thing here) and research that I enjoy. Another important part of why I'm here is that there was a great opportunity for my wife, who is also a scientist, to join the growing scientific community that we have here in Sioux Falls. We stay here because we love our jobs, the community, and the opportunities there are here for us to make a difference.

You teach biology at Augustana. What is your area of expertise?
I am a microbiologist so my primary area of teaching is General Microbiology and Introduction to Microbiology courses. I also teach Biological Principles I and Cell Biology. My area of expertise is bacterial physiology. I first got interested in microbiology because I could imagine applications for that field of study and that there were many things I could study with a background in microbiology. During my graduate work, I studied bacterial biodegradation of aromatic compounds, a component of some types of pollutants. Now, I study interactions between species of bacteria in biofilms.

Do students help with the research?
Yes, my research is in the area of signaling between different species of bacteria that live in dental plaque. I am studying a pair of bacteria that have a mechanism of communicating with each other. I am trying to figure out how the bacteria communicate with each other and what the outcomes of the interactions are. Students are definitely involved in my research. One of the reasons we do research here is to give students opportunities to be involved.

Why should a student major in biology at Augustana?
There are a lot of great things about the Biology Department at Augustana. One thing is that the faculty here is so dedicated to teaching. That is our primary focus. Consequently, we can make our program rigorous and know that students will be able to do well. We also put a lot of emphasis on the post-graduate success of our students. One way we measure our success as a department is by whether students are able to pursue the kinds of things that interest them after graduation. In those terms, we are very successful.

Do you have a favorite class to teach?
I can't say I have a favorite class. There are different fun aspects about all of them. My General Microbiology course is probably my favorite because I get to spend a whole semester telling students how amazing bacteria are.

As a scientist, do you feel that there are benefits to a liberal arts education?
Yes, for one thing, it is important for scientists to be able to "think outside the box," to be able to approach a problem from different angles. A liberal arts education helps with that. Also, it is important for everyone to have the opportunity to expose themselves to things outside their primary discipline. That is really important for enjoying life.

What are some of your interests outside of teaching?
I have a 3 year-old daughter and a one year-old son at home. So, clearly, spending time with my family is my main focus and pleasure outside of work. My wife and I do a lot of gardening. That is my main hobby. We like to grow tomatoes, eat them until we're sick, then can the rest for winter!

Do you interact with students outside of the classroom?
Yes, that is one of the nice things about being at Augustana. Students stop by to talk and eat from the candy bowl I have for them on my desk. I like it when they check in with me.

How would you describe Augustana's student body? How about the professors?
The students that I know have a great combination of ability and dedication. Sometimes when I look out at my classes, I'm amazed by all of the ability in the room. It's so exciting to think about what they'll be able to do with their lives! As for the professors, the are incredible people that have the expertise to be anywhere they want to be. Here's the key - where they really want to be is here, to teach the kind of students we have at Augustana College.

Do you have a favorite meal in the Huddle or Commons?
Anything with French fries. The fries are great there.

What is the most unexpected thing you've experienced during your time here?
This shouldn't have been a surprise, but one of the things I love about working here is the fact that there are so many knowledgeable people that I get to interact with everyday. I learn new things from my colleagues all the time!

If you could give prospective students one piece of advice as far as their college search, what would it be?
It's a great day to be a Viking!