The Biology of COVID-19

Join the Centennial Institute, Dr. Mark Parker, Dean and Professor of Biology at Colorado Christian University (CCU), and Dr. Damon Perez, Assistant Professor of Biology in CCU’s College of Adult & Graduate Studies, to learn about the biology of COVID-19. Dr. Parker has his B.S. in Microbiology and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences. Dr. Perez has his B.A. in Biology, Ph.D. in Environmental Health – Toxicology, and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Mayo Clinic Cancer Genetic and Epidemiology Program. They will answer questions on the history of coronavirus, how it spreads, its impact on the body, the current medical responses, and, most importantly, how science can defeat it.

About Dr. Mark Parker

Dr. 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, Dr. 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.