Meet Campus Celebrity and UP Professor Dr. VH!

Name: Dr. Van Hoomissen

Occupation: Head of the Biology Department at UP

Hometown: Portland, OR

Level of Awesome: Off the charts

What was your experience like here at UP when you were a student?

Amazing!  My first year at UP, I had Dr. Becky Houck for my introductory biology course and I loved every moment of the course.  I can remember sitting with Becky in our “Readings in Biology” course in Romanaggi Hall (at that time called Old Science Hall) discussing all the possible career opportunities available with a Biology degree. Who knew that 20 years later I’d be sitting in my office at UP having the same conversation with our new freshman students.

What was your favorite part about studying abroad in Salzburg for a year?

Making friends and traveling.  I grew up on a farm about 25 miles west of Portland and we didn’t travel much when I was a child.  I had a fantastic childhood full of amazing adventures on our farm, but we rarely left our local area for travel.  Going to Salzburg for a year was a major step outside of my comfort zone, but it was an incredible experience that has influenced in ways I’m still discovering….

Who were your favorite students from your Salzburg trip this summer?

All of them! ;)

What was it like teaching Anatomy in Europe?

So fun!  I loved the outings and getting to see anatomy in context in other countries.  I think it is too easy to read a book and think everything there is to know is printed on the page. Talking with professors from the University of Innsbruck, University of Vienna, and Paracelsus Medical School was a perfect fit with our course because it provided ties to our local area.  I also loved listening to students incorporate anatomy into their experience abroad; sore feet from walking, blisters from hiking, overheating from the weather, sunburns because they forgot their sunscreen :)

Do you have any advice for Biology majors now and after graduation?

Step outside your comfort zone. Take risks and see what doors open.  Know that you will continue learning your entire life and that college was just the beginning.  Give back.  Do good work and know you are important in the lives of the people around you, your community, and the world. Use your education as a springboard to doing something important that changes things for the better.

Where is your favorite place to go in Portland?

My family farm (which isn’t actually in Portland).  In Portland, I love cultural events; especially musical ones!

What are two little know facts about you?

I love playing music for my church.

I often spend my weekends hanging out with my family on our farm playing music, hiking, and feeding my pet cow.

If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you bring?

My running shoes, my family and some form of filter device for clean drinking water… and my mandolin!

What is the coolest thing you have ever done on campus?

Work with colleagues to start our annual Science Night at local K-12 schools.  I love seeing students get engaged with their community and watching children get excited about “doing” science.  Science is everywhere!

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