Aug. 15, 2011
Dr. Teresa Golden, Berne-Knox-Westerlo's 1988 salutatorian, was recently appointed Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Golden, an associate professor of biological sciences, joined the Southeastern faculty in 2006. She holds doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Rochester, and earned a bachelor’s degree at State University of New York at Albany.
"Dr. Golden is an outstanding faculty member who is very student-oriented," Southeastern President Larry Minks said. "In addition, she has proved to be a valuable team member in the development of our biotechnology program at Southeastern. Dr. Golden is an excellent choice to serve as a department chair and we look forward to her contributions in this important role."
"I am happy to have the opportunity to serve (as chair) on behalf of the students and the faculty,” Golden said. “The faculty and staff are all great colleagues and the diversity of the interests always keeps things interesting. We are here for the students and as much as I enjoy teaching them in the classroom and in the lab, it will be a new experience serving them as the chair as well."
Golden’s background includes extensive research in plant genetics (she received a patent for work she did in graduate school) and in cancer. Golden was a postdoctoral fellow at the College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, in Mobile, Alabama, where she was published several times.
She has continued cancer research at Southeastern, working with several undergraduate and graduate students in a laboratory setting.
Golden is actively involved in three grants, two of which are focused on a gene that may be a potential target to stop the growth of breast cancer cells.
In addition, Golden is the coordinator for the graduate program, Masters in Technology option Biology, and serves as an advisor for the Biotechnology undergraduate degree with Dr. Nancy Paiva.
She is a member of American Association for the Advancement of Science, The Council on Undergraduate Research and the American Chemical Society.
Golden first developed a love for science while at BKW.
“In elementary school, we took a field trip to a pond to look at the small living things in the water under a microscope, and I've been hooked on biology ever since,” Golden said.
As for becoming a teacher, Golden said it comes from growing up in a family of teachers.
“Ultimately though, when I went to college my family encouraged me to follow my love of science. After studying and doing research for several years, I realized that I enjoyed teaching others about biology almost as much as I liked learning about the science myself,” Golden said. “Being a Professor was a natural fit for both interests.”
Golden said she had the benefit of encouraging teachers while at BKW as well.
“I am certainly grateful to Mrs. Frieda Saddlemire for letting me be curious even back in kindergarten,” she said. “I had many other teachers who challenged me as well as gave me opportunities to do and learn more than I would have expected.”
Golden encourages her students and those at BKW to always ask questions, because it is a big part of the learning process.
“You can't be afraid to take a chance and fail. If you give something an honest try and don't succeed, you learn from it and work your hardest on the next thing you do,” she said. “It is not always easy and not everyone wants to help you, but you can find a way.”
Dr. Golden currently, she lives in Durant, Oklahoma with her husband, Tony Goza. When not at the University she can be found helping her husband at his local business, Sound Creations, or reading.
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