Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Mark Parker

Meet Dr. Mark Parker

Degrees and Experience
  • Ph.D., Biological Sciences (University of Denver)
  • M.A., Theology (Colorado Christian University)
  • B.S., Microbiology (Indiana University)
Biography and Professional Achievements

Dr. Mark Parker trained as a developmental biologist and neuroscientist in preparation for working in academic research, where he studied the development of the vertebrate nervous system. From there he transitioned into the biotech industry where he served as a director of the technical service department, oversaw both internal production and external production, and directed a research and development team.

He has always had a passion for teaching and was blessed to join the CCU faculty in 2011 as an associate professor of biology. Most recently, Parker has been integral in revamping the curriculum and increasing the enrollment in CCU’s Science program, developing the new Industrial and Systems Engineering program, and launching the newly formed School of Science and Engineering. His wife is a cardiovascular registered nurse pursing her nurse practitioner degree. Together they have three sons.

Professional Accomplishments
  • Board of Directors: Rocky Mountain Chapter of the American Scientific Affiliation
  • Steering Committee: 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Scientific Affiliation
  • Session Chair: Science Education at 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Scientific Affiliation
  • Member of: Society for Developmental Biology, American Scientific Affiliation, American Society for Microbiology
  • US Department of Labor National Occupational Network Advisor 2015
  • Faculty Member of the Year: 2012-2013 Colorado Christian University Student Association
  • Senior Scientist/Head of Product Development at Novus Biologicals 2006-2010
  • National Institutes of Health Small Business Innovative Research Contract reviewer 2009
  • Post-Doctoral Fellow at University of Colorado 2004-2006
  • National Center for Deafness and Other Communication Diseases Individual National Research Service Award
Recent Presentations and Seminars
  • Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphism, Response Inhibition, Auditory Attention, and Emotional Variations.The 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Scientific Affiliation. Golden, CO. July 2017.
  • Introductory Talk Society for Microbiology Rocky Mountain Regional American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting Denver CO. October 2015.
  • PCR mutagenesis of the human Varicella Zoster gH protein. Rocky Mountain Regional American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting. Durango, CO. April, 2015.
  • PCR Mutagenesis Epitope Mapping of the Human Varicella Zoster Virus Fusion Blocking Antibody rec-RC IgG. Rocky Mountain Regional American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting. Laramie WY, April 2014.
  • PCR Mutagenesis Epitope Mapping of the Human Varicella Zoster Virus Fusion Blocking Antibody rec-RC IgG. Rocky Mountain Regional American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting. Fort Collins, CO, April 2013.