BA, Wheaton College
PhD, Cornell University
Jenna Mendell joined the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences in 2009, where she teaches General Biology I, General Microbiology and Medical Microbiology. Jenna’s research involves analysis of the microbial community present in drinking water sources from Cambodia, and how these organisms can affect the overall health of the individuals consuming them. This work has allowed her to combine her love of microbial ecology, medical microbiology and community service and she routinely brings students to Cambodia to conduct research addressing clean water issues. Jenna is also researching the epidemiology of the pathogens Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease and Anaplasma spp, the causative agent of Anaplasmosis, in the tick vector, Ixodes scapularis and their prevalence in Plymouth County. Jenna enjoys mentoring and advising undergraduates and serves as the Honors Chair for the Department of Biological Sciences as well as the Faculty Advisor for the Biology Club and Beta, Beta, Beta, the National Biological Honor Society. In her spare time she is an avid hiker, gardener and is actively involved in dog rescue across the country, specializing in senior and hospice rescue.