Drew Rholl featured image background

Drew Rholl

Professor of Biology

Dr. Drew Rholl is a North Park alumnus and professor of biology. He helps students learn and apply scientific methods to better understand the natural world. For example, he says, “I have periodic case studies in which groups work together to analyze a medical report and diagnose the case based on what was learned in class and by using external resources.” He also works with students in his collaborative research with Dr. Jeffrey Nelson and Dr. Matthew Schau on tick-borne pathogens in the Chicago area.

Rholl also serves on the Pre-Professional Committee, which prepares students who are interested in dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and other professions for the graduate admissions process. “Our success rate for admission and success in professional schools is above average because North Park students are well prepared for graduate level academics. Our admissions rates into these schools are high in part because North Park’s successful graduates have helped expand this reputation,” he says.

Recent Publications

  • D.A. Rholl “Complex Systems in a Complex Time: Two Flexible Activities Using Online Models to Study Infectious Disease Transmission and Code Complex Systems Simulations”. J Microbiol Biol Educ.
  • Krull N and D.A. Rholl. “All Hands on Deck – Teaching Lymphocyte Activation by Using Role-play and Colored Gloves.” J Microbiol Biol Educ. 2020 Jul; 31;21(2):21.2.54.
  • Exposing a β-Lactamase “Twist”: the Mechanistic Basis for the High Level of Ceftazidime Resistance in the C69F Variant of the Burkholderia pseudomallei PenI β-Lactamase. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2015 Nov 23;60(2):777-88.
  • The Burkholderia pseudomallei enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase FabI1 is essential for in vivo growth and is the target of a novel chemotherapeutic with efficacy. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2014;58(2):931-5.
  • An improved selective culture medium enhances the isolation of Burkholderia pseudomallei from contaminated specimens. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Nov;89(5):973-82.
  • N. Chantratita, S. Tandhavanant, C. Wikraiphat, L.A. Trunck, D.A. Rholl, A. Thanwisai, N. Saiprom, D. Limmathurotsakul, S. Korbsrisate, N. P. Day, H.P. Schweizer, S.J. Peacock. “Proteomic Analysis of Colony Morphology Variants of Burkholderia Pseudomallei Defines a Role for the Arginine Deiminase System in Bacterial Survival.” Journal of Proteomics vol 75, #3 (January 2012): 1031-1042.
  • N. Chantratita, D.A. Rholl, B. Sim, V. Wuthiekanun, D. Limmathurotsakul, P. Amornchai, A. Thanwisai, H.H. Chua, W.F. Ooi, M.T. Holden, N.P. Day, P. Tan, H.P. Schweizer, S.J. Peacock. “Antimicrobial Resistance to Ceftazidime Involving Loss of Penicillin-Binding Protein 3 in Burkholderia Pseudomallei.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America vol 108, #41 (2011): 17165-17170.

Events & Lectures

“Opportunities and Pitfalls of Team-Taught Bioethics in a Diverse Biology Department”
American Society for Microbiology Conference for Undergraduate Educators (ASMCUE)

Popular Courses

General Microbiology is fundamental to healthcare professions. We examine the makeup of microorganisms and the battle between potential pathogens and the human immune system. We also analyze threats to public health, like increasing antibiotic resistance and a reduced level of vaccine protection.

Marine and Aquatic Biology ends with a week-long field component on the island of San Salvador of The Bahamas. There we see firsthand coral reef ecology, biodiversity, and island geology. The flora and fauna are gorgeous, and the experience is unforgettable.