Jeff Ploegstra

Jeff Ploegstra currently serves as the Dean of Foundational and Health Sciences and the Core Program Director at Dordt University, where responsibilities include oversight of curriculum, staffing, resources, and assessment of the Core program. Ploegstra is also a Professor of Biology, teaching a range of courses including Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology and Advanced Microbiology, while research interests focus on population genetics, science education, and public health. Prior to this role, Ploegstra worked as a Science Teacher at John F. Kennedy High School, concentrating on curriculum development and instruction. Educational credentials include a PhD in Biology/Science Education, an MA in Science Teacher Education, an MS in Biology, and a Bachelor's degree in Biology, all obtained from the University of Iowa and Dordt University.