Dr. Shiemke is Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center of West Virginia. He received a B.A. degree in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College, and Ph.D. from The Oregon Graduate Institute in Beaverton, Oregon. Following postdoctoral training at the University of Illinois, University of Georgia and the California Institute of Technology, Dr. Shiemke joined the faculty of the West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1990. Dr. Shiemke's research interests include the structural and mechanistic characterization of metal-containing enzymes and proteins, especially those involved in biological oxidation of methane and other hydrocarbons. His academic responsibilities include serving as course director for the Human Function course for first-year medical students and facilitator for Problem-Based Learning for first-year medical students. Dr Shiemke has authored over forty research publications. He has also been on the review panel for several Biochemistry text books.