Elaine S. Chapman, Ph.D.

Hitchcock Professor of Biology and Chair
Department of Biology

Education: Millikin University, B.A. 1973 (magna cum laude); University of Iowa College of Medicine, Ph.D. 1978

Courses: Human Biology; Anatomy and Physiology I and II; Histology; Developmental Biology; Bioethics; Issues in International Health  

Achievements: Recipient: Harry Joy Dunbaugh Distinguished Professor Award (1992, 2005)

Research Interests: Health professions advising, issues in international health and diabetes

The town in which Elaine Chapman, Ph.D., grew up was so small her elementary school did not have a science teacher. Instead, science lessons were broadcast from Southern Illinois University (SIU) over a television set in her classroom.

“I was always the one reminding the teacher to turn on the T.V.,” Chapman recalls. “Those lessons were the highlights of my day.”

Chapman’s fascination with human biology, anatomy and physiology remained with her throughout her academic career. She considered medicine but found research and teaching a better fit.

“I was overwhelmed with the responsibility required by medicine and I didn’t think I could go that long without sleep,” Chapman says. “Working in a lab was the perfect way to feed my scientific curiosity and serve health sciences in another way.”

After graduating magna cum laude from Millikin University, Chapman earned her Ph.D. in human anatomy from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1978. Chapman joined Illinois College full time in 1983 and served as chair of the biology department from 1995 to 2000. She was appointed to the position again in 2003—the same year she was named Hitchcock Professor of Biology. Her research interests have included diabetes mellitus, vector-borne diseases, bioethics and epidemiology.

“I believe it’s important for students to be a part of active scientific pursuit as early as possible,” Chapman says. “In many college labs, you’re told what the research design will be and you know what the results are supposed to show. But in a real lab situation, these things aren’t a given. You have to continually adjust your method and expectations. It forces you to think outside the box.”
Chapman works actively in placing her students in real-lab situations. She and her colleagues recently established a partnership with SIU School of Medicine that allows Illinois College students to conduct research with medical faculty at the Jacksonville Developmental Center. Chapman keeps files on all current and former students to track their progress. This dedication earned Chapman the Harry Joy Dunbaugh Distinguished Professor Award—considered the highest honor bestowed upon an Illinois College faculty member—both in 1992 and in 2005.

“Each student has intrinsic worth,” Chapman says. “Whether they’re straight A or straight C students, they are children of God and they deserve my full attention. Penny Leonhard, a colleague of mine, came back from a seminar with a quote that says it all. ‘Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.’ I think that’s an important aspect of life at Illinois College.”

Chapman holds memberships in the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, serving on its editorial advisory committee for its journal, HAPS-EDucator, as well as the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions. Chapman has served as Illinois College Faculty Senate President for the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 academic years.

 

   

 

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1101 West College Avenue
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