Dr. James Wilson
Chair

Office Rm # 208
Research Lab Rm # 211

Phone Extension: 2104
Email: jwilson@lasierra.edu

Education

Dr. Wilson earned a B.A. degree (Biology) from Andrews University in 1969 and a M.Sc. (Zoology) from Miami University (Ohio) in 1972. He was awarded a Ph.D. (Developmental Biology) in 1976 from the University of Cincinnati. His post-doctoral training was in the laboratory of Dr. Harry Schachter in the Biochemistry Department at the University of Toronto, School of Medicine and at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. Prior to accepting the position at La Sierra University, he was a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine. He has been a faculty member in the department since 1991.  He has been serving as Chair since 2008.

Current Duties

Dr. Wilson teaches Cell & Molecular Biology, Tools and Methods I and II, Science at the Cutting Edge and coordinates Upper Division Core Laboratories (Cell Biology/Genetics/Developmental Biology). He currently serves on several University and College committees and is past-chair of the Faculty Senate. He is also a faculty member in the Honors Program, co-teaches Science and the Future and is mentoring five honors students in his laboratory. Dr. Wilson is academic advisor to about 25 students.

Research Interests

Dr. Wilson’s investigates ways to control the spread of cancer throughout the body (metastasis). If adhesion of cancer cells to extracellular matrix proteins (e.g. the outer covering of blood vessels, etc.) could be reduced, it may be possible to control cancer cell metastasis. His research indicates that carbohydrates are involved in the adhesion process of brain astrocytoma because they can modify adhesion to matrix proteins. Greater knowledge of the adhesion process could improve cancer treatment and give a better understanding of adhesion in normal cells and tissues.

Honors, Memberships & Affiliations

Dr. Wilson was chosen Biology Teacher of the Year by the students in 1996 and 2000. He was awarded the G.T. Anderson Distinguished Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2002. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society for Cell Biology, San Diego Zoological Society.