Adam Matthews
Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences
Expertise in immunology, molecular cell biology, epigenetics, and biochemistry. Enjoys teaching across the curriculum.
My previous research focused on understanding the mechanisms by which chromatin can epigenetically regulate V(D)J recombination, a process that is essential for the assembly of antibody and T cell receptor genes during B cell and T cell development, respectively. At Wellesley, I enjoy mentoring students who are performing off-campus research at Harvard and MIT.
My teaching spans all levels from introductory molecular cell biology to an advanced seminar on immunology. I enjoy helping students to understand the natural world from molecular, cellular, and biochemical perspectives. And I use real world examples to help students understand how they can apply their knowledge.
I am also interested in new, innovative approaches to science education.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, playing tennis, and spending time with my family.
Education
- A.B., Harvard University
- Ph.D., Harvard University
Currently teaching
This gateway course provides an integrated introduction to the application of chemical principles to understand biological systems and covers the content of both BISC 110/BISC 110P/BISC 112/BISC 112Y and CHEM 105. It is designed for students whose interests lie at the interface of chemistry and biology and must be taken concurrently with BISC 116. Students will learn how structure and function of biological systems are shaped by principles of atomic properties and chemical bonding. Cellular metabolism and molecular genetics are integrated with quantitative introductions to thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. Other topics motivated by the application of chemistry to biology include nuclear chemistry and cellular growth and differentiation. The laboratory is a hands-on introduction to spectroscopy, microscopy, and other experimental techniques, as well as quantitative analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing. Successful completion of this course enables a student to take any course for which either CHEM105 or BISC 110/BISC 110P/BISC 112/BISC 112Y is a prerequisite.
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A foundation course that provides an integrated introduction to the application of chemical principles to understand biological systems and covers the content of both (BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, or BISC 112Y) and CHEM 105. It is designed for students whose interests lie at the interface of chemistry and biology and must be taken concurrently with CHEM 116. Students will learn how structure and function of biological systems are shaped by principles of atomic properties and chemical bonding. Cellular metabolism and molecular genetics are integrated with quantitative introductions to thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. Other topics motivated by the application of chemistry to biology include nuclear chemistry and cellular growth and differentiation. The laboratory is a hands-on introduction to spectroscopy, microscopy, and other experimental techniques, as well as quantitative analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing. Successful completion of this course enables a student to take any course for which either CHEM105 or (BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, or BISC 112Y) is a prerequisite.