Faculty Feature
Dr. Ryan Somers
Dr. Ryan Somers
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology and Chemistry
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology and Chemistry
1. Can you tell us your home department and how long have you been a faculty member at APU?
1. Can you tell us your home department and how long have you been a faculty member at APU?
I currently work for the Department of Biology and Chemistry. I have been a full-time faculty member since Spring 2018. Prior to being full-time, I worked as an adjunct professor beginning in Fall 2005.
I currently work for the Department of Biology and Chemistry. I have been a full-time faculty member since Spring 2018. Prior to being full-time, I worked as an adjunct professor beginning in Fall 2005.
2. What are the classes you teach?
2. What are the classes you teach?
I currently teach BIOL 200 - Human Anatomy for Nursing; BIOL 250 - Human Anatomy; BIOL 250L - Human Physiology Lab; BIOL 346L- Regional Anatomy Lab; BIOL 465- Topics and Practicum in Allied Health. I also help with teaching anatomy in the DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program at APU.
I currently teach BIOL 200 - Human Anatomy for Nursing; BIOL 250 - Human Anatomy; BIOL 250L - Human Physiology Lab; BIOL 346L- Regional Anatomy Lab; BIOL 465- Topics and Practicum in Allied Health. I also help with teaching anatomy in the DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program at APU.
3. What is your area of research/teaching and how did you get interested in this area?
3. What is your area of research/teaching and how did you get interested in this area?
My emphasis in teaching is Human Anatomy. I have always been fascinated by God's ultimate creation and my background as a physical therpaist has allowed me to gain a functional understanding of how our bodies work.
My emphasis in teaching is Human Anatomy. I have always been fascinated by God's ultimate creation and my background as a physical therpaist has allowed me to gain a functional understanding of how our bodies work.
4. When and how did you get interested in studying science?
4. When and how did you get interested in studying science?
Ever since I was in high school I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. During high school, both of my parents needed intensive physical therapy for either their knees or feet. I went with them on a few occasions and I got to shadow the PT (Physical Therapist) who was working with them. That PT opened up this whole new world to me and I was hooked ever since.
Ever since I was in high school I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. During high school, both of my parents needed intensive physical therapy for either their knees or feet. I went with them on a few occasions and I got to shadow the PT (Physical Therapist) who was working with them. That PT opened up this whole new world to me and I was hooked ever since.
5. What are some of the things you enjoy the most being in APU?
5. What are some of the things you enjoy the most being in APU?
I love APU. That is why I have never left after I graduated here. My absolute favorite thing about APU is working with and getting to know my students. Students are not numbers here at APU. That was true when I was a student and I feel honored to continue with this amazing practice.
I love APU. That is why I have never left after I graduated here. My absolute favorite thing about APU is working with and getting to know my students. Students are not numbers here at APU. That was true when I was a student and I feel honored to continue with this amazing practice.
6. What are some fun things that you like to do?
6. What are some fun things that you like to do?
When not hanging out with my wife and four kids, I love going to the movies, working out on my Peloton bike/treadmill, and playing boardgames. The current game I am playing with my wife and friends is called Gloomhaven.
When not hanging out with my wife and four kids, I love going to the movies, working out on my Peloton bike/treadmill, and playing boardgames. The current game I am playing with my wife and friends is called Gloomhaven.
7. Anything else you would like the STEM community to know about you?
7. Anything else you would like the STEM community to know about you?
The STEM community at APU has been such a big part of my life for so long. There are so many of you who have shaped me into who I am today. It is an honor to be a part of this community.
The STEM community at APU has been such a big part of my life for so long. There are so many of you who have shaped me into who I am today. It is an honor to be a part of this community.
Visit Dr. Somers virtually now to get to know him and stop by his office in Segerstrom 201 when our campus opens!
Visit Dr. Somers virtually now to get to know him and stop by his office in Segerstrom 201 when our campus opens!