The College of Science builds the scientific economy and scientific literacy of the Wasatch Front region and beyond. We carry out this mission by offering academic degrees, certificates, and courses, including service and general education courses, and opportunities for collaborative research by students and faculty, in an atmosphere which encourages innovation and which creates opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to attain their personal and professional goals.
I am excited to reflect on the incredible impact our graduates are making in the world. While many of our students initially come to us with the goal of becoming medical doctors, we encourage them to explore the wide range of opportunities available to them in every field of science. Our graduates are making a difference in countless ways, from working as physicians and scientists in Utah’s thriving biomedical industry to developing products for nutraceutical companies to identifying valuable mineral resources. They are helping to ensure a safe water supply, leading the way in the outdoor recreation economy, and conducting analyses that help a variety of industries thrive. And, of course, graduates from all of our departments are teaching at the secondary level, shaping the minds of future generations. The common thread among all of our graduates is their desire to help people. While many of them do go on to become doctors, they also recognize that every field of science provides opportunities to make a difference in the world. They are using their knowledge and skills to keep people healthy and safe, to grow and maintain a healthy economy, and to educate and inspire others. As we move forward, I am proud to lead a college that is making Utah healthier and wealthier through the pursuit of scientific knowledge. I look forward to another year of growth and achievement, and I encourage each and every one of you to explore the many opportunities available to you in the College of Science.
Dr. Danny Horns
Dean, College of Science
Professional Profile
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 801-863-8582
Office: SB 241
Professor - Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation
Michael Bohne
Dr. Michael Bohne is a Professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation in the College of Science, where he has been a dedicated educator and leader since 2007.
He holds a Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Science with an emphasis in biomechanics from the University of Northern Colorado, along with a doctoral minor in Applied Statistics and Research Methods.
He also earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Exercise Science from Utah State University. Dr. Bohne has taught a wide range of courses including biomechanics, kinesiology, and motor learning, and served as Department Chair from 2014 to 2020.
His professional journey also includes time as an Assistant Professor at Western Illinois University.
Outside the classroom, Dr. Bohne enjoys cycling, hiking, soccer, and board games, and treasures time spent with his wife Mandy and their four children—Micah, Mataya, Kelsey, and Rayson.
He believes the best part of working at UVU is the extraordinary combination of mission, people, and opportunities that make it a truly unique and inspiring place.
Assistant Professor - Biology
Carl Hjelmen
Dr. Carl Hjelmen is an Assistant Professor of Genomics and Bioinformatics in the College of Science’s Department of Biology, where he also serves as the coordinator for the Bioinformatics degree.
Originally from Garretson, South Dakota, Dr. Hjelmen earned his B.A. in Biology from Augustana University and completed his PhD in Entomology at Texas A&M, where he was twice named the department’s Outstanding PhD Student.
He completed two postdoctoral research appointments focused on genome size evolution and forensic entomology before joining UVU in 2021.
At UVU, he has mentored over ten undergraduate researchers, many of whom have presented and earned awards at regional and national conferences. Dr. Hjelmen has published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles, including a recent article that proposed a new metric for assessing genome assembly quality.
His unique research service estimating genome sizes has positioned UVU as a collaborator with institutions like the USDA, Bucknell, and Texas A&M.
A passionate educator and researcher, Dr. Hjelmen is most proud of helping students grow into confident scientists.
Outside of the lab, he enjoys music, woodworking, cooking, and exploring Utah with his dog, Guinness.
Assistant Professor - Earth Science
Matthew Olson
Dr. Matthew Olson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Science in the College of Science, where he has been a faculty member since 2022.
He holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Utah, specializing in mountain glacier change in High-mountain Asia, and has earned both a Graduate Certificate in Hydrology and Water Resources and an M.S. in Geography from the same institution.
Dr. Olson also holds a B.S. in Geological Sciences from Brigham Young University.
Prior to joining UVU, he held roles as an Adjunct Instructor at Westminster University and Weber State University and worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Utah. His research focuses on glacier dynamics, snow hydrology, and the impacts of climate change in mountainous regions. He has been a key contributor to several collaborative, funded projects.
His publications continue to contribute to advancing our understanding of snow hydrology and its environmental implications.
Dr. Olson is committed to mentoring students and cultivating the next generation of scientists, with a passion for helping students connect real-world observations to scientific principles.
The collaborative environment within the Earth Science department and the opportunity to shape future stewards of the planet make his role at UVU especially rewarding.
Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife Jess, their daughter Anna, and their two dogs, Koda and Lefty.
Lab Manager - Biology (Zoology)
Melissa Cavan
Melissa Cavan is the Biology Zoology Lab Manager in the College of Science Biology department, where she has worked since 2008.
Originally from Holderness, New Hampshire, Melissa earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Studies with minors in Biology and Earth Science from Utah Valley University. She went on to complete her Master’s and PhD in Instructional Psychology and Technology at Brigham Young University, with a focus on teaching Biology.
After teaching labs as an adjunct instructor at UVU, Melissa took on the role of Biology Lab Manager and later became the Zoology Lab Manager, overseeing animal-centric labs.
In addition to her professional work, she continually seeks to deepen her knowledge, even taking physiology courses to better manage the Physiology Labs.
Outside of her career, Melissa enjoys painting, playing musical instruments, and caring for animals.
She is married with four children and values the community at UVU, calling it a place where she has found a second family.
Adjunct Instructor - Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning
Lydia Lindsey
Lydia Lindsey, an adjunct instructor in the Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning Department, has been inspiring students at UVU since 2012.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from BYU and a Master’s in Education from Western Governors University, and has been a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) since 2021. Lydia began her career teaching history, computer science, and mathematics in secondary schools across Utah, Washington, and California.
With over 15 years of math tutoring experience and a decade of service at UVU, she has taught a range of foundational courses from MAT 920 to 1015.
She has also served as an adjunct representative for six years, advocating for her colleagues and ensuring clear communication within the department.
In 2021, she received the Senate Faculty Excellence Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions.
Lydia is passionate about UVU’s diverse student body and values the mix of fresh perspectives and seasoned resilience her students bring.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys home creativity, church service, and spending time with her husband Dave and their three daughters—two of whom are proud Wolverines.
Academic Advisor I - Exercise Science & Outdoor Recreation
Kirsten Paustenbaugh
Kirsten Paustenbaugh is an Academic Advisor in the Department of Exercise Science & Outdoor Recreation in the College of Science.
Originally from Stillwater, Oklahoma, Kirsten is a proud UVU alum who began her career supporting students as a counselor in the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office from 2020 to 2022.
In 2022, she transitioned into academic advising for the College of Science, where she helps students navigate their academic journeys and reach their educational goals.
Kirsten is known for her empathy, consistency, and commitment to student success.
She is especially grateful for the strong sense of community at UVU and the colleagues who uplift and support one another.
Her dedication to students and her team exemplifies the values that make UVU such a unique and welcoming place to work and learn.
Develop Courses to Succeed
Create courses and programs for students' success in science careers or advanced studies.
Engaging Teaching
Foster engaging teaching for better learning and retention.
Opportunities Outside the Classroom
Enhance teaching with hands-on, out-of-class learning experiences.
Facilitate Research
Support faculty expertise in research and teaching through training
Advise to Completion
Improve degree completion with effective advising.
Promote Science Education
Advance science and science education through K-12 and public outreach.
Secure Needed Resources
Foster support, partnerships, and resources to fulfill the College of Science's mission.
Consistent Messaging
Establish a cohesive brand identity and message through marketing and communications.
Associate Dean
Associate Dean
Finance Manager
Administrative Support
Assistant Dean
MarCom Manager - COS
