Donna Nofziger Plank, PhD

"Science is the search for understanding. One of the benefits of working with young people is that it keeps science pure. The joy of discovery seen in these young minds is infectious. I just love it!"

Donna Nofziger Plank grew up in Southern California and always knew she wanted to be a scientist. While many children her age asked for toys for birthdays and holidays, Donna asked for microscopes and chemistry sets.

Donna received her bachelor's degree in biology from Baylor University and her PhD from UCLA as part of the Molecular Biology Institute. After receiving her doctorate, she joined the faculty of the Natural Science Division at Pepperdine University.

Dr. Plank is a developmental biologist. Developmental biologists study how a single cell becomes a multicellular adult made up of different types of cells, i.e., muscle, bone, or nerve cells to name a few. She is particularly interested in how cells know what they are going to be "when they grow up" and how genes are involved in this process.

Her other passion is sharing with young people her excitement about the scientific process and how inquiry into the natural world can be the most thrilling of adventures. Science is an extremely creative enterprise, which, if taught right-should intrigue and captivate anyone (or everyone).

Donna, her husband and three children reside in Malibu California.