Faculty Q&A: Brandon Dimick, Lab Associate in the Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering
"I want to instill in my students an interest in the natural world and the sciences in general. I want them to be curious about the world and ask questions about what they observe."
In high school, Brandon Dimick was drawn to the complexity of biology.
"Biology is like a tangled spiderweb," he said. "There is so much unknown information, and I wanted to be a part of detangling that spiderweb and illuminating what's going on in our world."
He shares that passion for discovery with Point Park University students today as a lab associate in the School of Arts & Sciences' Department of Natural Sciences and Engineering, through which he works with students across degree programs and especially those majoring in biological sciences.
He holds biology degrees from Northampton Community College, Moravian University and Duquesne University.
Learn more about Dimick in the Q&A below.
Describe your career path.
After graduating high school, I knew I liked biology, but I was unsure of the exact path I wanted to pursue. As I went through my undergraduate studies, I started to explore molecular biology and genetics. I focused on the molecular evolution of humans and our ape relatives while earning my master's degree. I also worked as a tutor and mentor as an undergraduate, and I was a teaching assistant during graduate school. I found that I really enjoyed teaching in general, so I decided to make that my career path, which led me to Point Park. I like that I get to do a lot of wet lab work here, and we're looking to do more research, so I'm excited to help drive that effort.
What are your research interests?
My main research interest is molecular evolution. As a student, I studied male reproductive proteins in primates. I looked at humans, chimps and gorillas, as I was interested in what makes us different from other great apes. Humans are 98% similar to chimps, so what's going on in that 2%? The male reproductive proteins are under a high degree of natural selection, so I looked at a specific protein called prostatic acid phosphatase through enzyme kinetics and bioinformatics to better understand what differentiates us. I've presented my research at conferences throughout the country, including events in Albuquerque, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and I'm working on getting published. I love presenting and writing in general.
What appealed to you about Point Park's School of Arts & Sciences?
The urban campus environment and the industry-experienced faculty appealed to me. I appreciate that the faculty bring diverse backgrounds to the classroom. We all have some level of real-world experience in our fields, and that's the best way for our students to learn – talking to people who have been there and done that, rather than just working in academia. For example, Professor Connor Murphy, Ph.D., has experience working in microscopy, so I've learned quite a bit from him. Real-world experience is present across our degree programs.
Describe your teaching approach.
I try to get everyone on an equal playing field by understanding each student's knowledge and experience level. I like to challenge my students, and I really emphasize writing, which is a super important skill in the sciences. If any student struggles with the coursework, I work with them individually to get them where they need to be.
I want to instill in my students an interest in the natural world and the sciences in general. I want them to be curious about the world and ask questions about what they observe. I also want to instill in them that it's OK to make mistakes as long as they learn from them.
What are the benefits of a biological sciences degree?
A biological sciences degree is applicable to so many different career paths, whether you want to be a professor, work in a research lab or explore careers in industry, like pharmaceuticals or agriculture. In food service and safety, there's a lot of work being done with microbiology, and in government, you could pursue a path related to understanding ecological issues and the impact of climate change. There are many different applications for a biological sciences degree, and it's a great starting point for many careers.
At Point Park, we touch on a lot of aspects and branches of biology, and we offer many different courses. Ecology, microbiology, genetics, zoology, botany, vertebrate anatomy, physiology and evolution are among the topics we cover.
What else do you like about Point Park?
I like being close to a vibrant cultural district. Throughout Downtown Pittsburgh, there are many excellent restaurants. I'm originally from eastern Pennsylvania. I moved here in 2018 and decided to stick around because I love the area. I love exploring Pittsburgh's many museums and parks.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have two cats. I am a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan.
I want to remind students that when you're in school, it's not just about an education. It's about making lifelong connections with friends and people in your career field. Be open to different things. You might find the path you start on leads you to other skills or interests. Be open to taking a variety of electives to explore those areas. For example, I took a Medieval history course in college, and while I didn't make a career out of it, it's a fun hobby of mine. Be open to those opportunities to learn. You will have a more enriching college experience.
