Green’s career leads her back to Minot State
MINOT, N.D. – Janelle Green completed her first year as a member of the Minot State faculty in May.
The North Dakota native taught in the human anatomy and physiology department and is the director of the cadaver lab hosted at MSU.
She was raised in Arvilla, about three hours from Minot, just outside of Grand Forks. Green started her continuing education at Minot State, finished her undergraduate studies at Mayville State University, and earned her master's degree.
“I graduated from Mayville State University in 2009 with my B.S. degree in biology and in 2011 with my B.S. in composite science education degree,” Green said. “I also graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2011 with my master's in general biology and in 2020 from the University of Jamestown with my master's in education: curriculum and instruction.”
Her draw towards biology was nurtured from a young age through her mother, who was a high school biology teacher. At first, she never believed that she would follow in the same footsteps until she applied for the program.
“After high school, I came to Minot State for a couple semesters where I had reluctantly decided to pursue a degree in education. I say reluctantly because my mom was my high school biology teacher, and I swore that when I left, I never wanted to do anything similar,” said Green. “So, there I sat, applying for the education program and realizing what a major influence she had been in my life so far and that her passion for the outdoors and biology had made a lasting impression on me.”
Being a science professor was a career that she now realizes suits her so well. Not only has her profession furthered her ongoing love for biology and how the body works, but it also allows her to teach others about the inner workings of science and foster that same love for future generations.
“It wasn't until much later that I realized the passion I had for education. I'm passionate about teaching and making sure students are prepared for their futures both in their careers and within their lives and that is why I stayed in education after seven years,” said Green. “I believe that all people should know about the inner workings of life inside and outside of them.”
Green continues to credit her inspiration and success in this field to the impact that her mom made on her life, raising her curiosity as once her very own high school biology teacher, as well as her dad, who encouraged her hard work.
“I could contribute almost all of these attributes to my mother, who was a career science educator and avid outdoorsman, and to my dad, who taught me to work hard, pursue my goals, and never settle,” said Green.
Following high school, Green attended Minot State where she had her first immersion into college science classes in the very same lecture halls that she now teaches in.
“My personal favorite thing about Minot State is that it was the first college I attended out of high school and where I took some of my first college science courses,” she said. “I now get to walk into and down the stairs of the large lecture hall on the first floor of Cyril Moore Science Center and teach where I was once sitting as a student.
“The memory and overall feeling is pretty special to me.”
Green hopes to continue fostering and growing her love of science at MSU where she has found a sense of security in a job she loves, working with people she admires, and endless opportunities that arise.
“One of my favorite things about Minot State are my co-workers and new friends I have made, the facilities and opportunities for students, and the small-town vibe that campus provides,” said Green.
“Minot State is different from other universities because it is relatively small but has various opportunities for faculty, staff, and students,” she added. “If students want to get research experience, be an athlete, start or join a club, we have all of that all while still providing them with a rigorous, relevant education.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 06/13/24
