Get to Know HFC: Dr. Jessica Mahoney’s path started with the Science Olympiad
Being involved in Science Olympiad from 6th through 12th grade exposed HFC biology instructor Dr. Jessica Mahoney to all areas of science, particularly ecology.
“I liked understanding how everything in the environment is connected,” said Mahoney. “Then, when I was an undergrad at Purdue University, I volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center. I was able to help care for and rehabilitate all sorts of animals, including orphaned and injured baby birds, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, foxes, turtles, and more. That is where my passion for conservation developed.”
A passion for research
Born in Indiana, Mahoney is the youngest of three. She currently lives in Westland with Jesse, her husband of three years. They are expecting their first child in early 2023.
“I enjoy expressing myself artistically from time to time. My favorite way to do that is by upcycling and refinishing pieces of furniture,” she said. “My current project is refinishing my childhood bedroom set for our nursery.”
After graduating from Northridge High School in Middlebury, IN, Mahoney enrolled at Purdue. She earned her bachelor’s degree in ecology, evolution, and environmental biology. Mahoney later earned her Ph.D. in environmental and conservation science from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.
“My research was in conservation physiology during my Ph.D. program,” said Mahoney. “I studied how we can use physiological mechanisms to manage blackbird populations. I’ve also done research on mating behavior and mate choice in zebrafish. Before coming to HFC, I developed a long-term research study to monitor the water quality of a man-made wetland drainage system that flowed into the Iowa River. Students in my undergraduate biology labs collected data as part of their curriculum. I hope to work with honors students in the future on ecology and conservation projects.”
Diversity of classes
Mahoney’s interest in teaching goes back to her Science Olympiad days.
“I stayed involved with the Science Olympiad program as a volunteer coach and an event coordinator. I liked participating in competitions and watching other young scientists find the same joy I found when exploring the sciences. I realized teaching was a great opportunity for me to continue to share my passion for biology and the environment,” she recalled.
Mahoney has been teaching for six years. She joined the HFC faculty in 2021. Previously, she taught at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA. At ECC, she was the Program Director for the Conservation Technology and Wildlife/Fisheries/Forestry programs.
She spoke about what why she came to Michigan to teach at HFC.
“My father grew up in Northville, and most of my extended family still lives in this area,” sad Mahoney. “I wanted to be closer to family.”
For the Fall 2022 semester, Mahoney will teach the following classes:
- BIO 130: Behavior and Evolution
- BIO 143: Zoology
- BIO 150: Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
“I’m happy with the diversity of classes I’m already teaching, and I look forward to teaching BIO 131: Introduction to Biology in the future,” she said. “I am really looking forward to working one-on-one and developing research projects with more honors biology students.”
“I love the community college culture”
Mahoney reports to Gillian John, Associate Dean of the HFC School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
“Both Gillian and STEM Dean Janice Gilliland have been fabulous to work with,” said Mahoney. “I have felt supported and a part of a really great team since before my first day on campus.”
“The School of STEM is happy to welcome Dr. Mahoney to the Biology Department,” said Gilliland. “This fall she is teaching zooloogy, which has not been available the past few years. Her enthusiasm for teaching and focus on student success is terrific.”
Fellow HFC biology instructor Carla Serfas is also happy to have Mahoney on the team.
“Jessica is a great addition to our Biology Department. She's very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It's clear that she cares a lot about our students and the College’s mission,” said Serfas.
Mahoney spoke about what she enjoys the most about working at HFC.
“I love the community college culture,” she said. “There is so much diversity in the students that come to HFC, from both a social and educational point of view. I have the opportunity to both learn from students and help them navigate their educational journey.”