Charisse M. Buising, Professor of Biology and Director of the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology program, began her career at Drake in 1993. She received a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in Zoology (1992) and a B.S. in General Science and Medical Technology certificate from The University of Iowa (1982). She was a postdoctoral research fellow at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and at Iowa State University. From 1982 to 1987, she worked as a Medical Technologist in the clinical laboratories at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
At Drake, Dr. Buising teaches Introductory Anatomy and Physiology, Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates, Developmental Biology, Advanced Molecular Life Sciences Laboratory, and Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Senior Capstone Seminar. Professor Buising engages approximately 20-25 students a year in undergraduate research.
Dr. Buising’s research is trauma related. Her research interests include methods of determining patient physiologic status and progression, resuscitation following severe hemorrhage, and the prevention of blood loss from injuries. The lab’s current area of focus involves emergency arterial tourniquets: designs, applied pressures, best application methods, and provider knowledge. Dr. Buising works closely with Dr. Piper Wall. In addition to undergraduate students, their research group includes researchers, surgeons, and residents at a Level I trauma center.
Dr. Buising co-founded and chaired the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology program at Drake University, one of the largest majors on campus where all students participate in research prior to graduation. She co-developed and uses the "One Room Schoolhouse Model" to engage large numbers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students in research training. This model received recognition by the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology as a system designed to ensure a solid foundation of course work that allows students to have meaningful research experiences and progress in their STEM careers. Dr. Buising was also a member of the team that developed a second model focused on reforming general STEM education courses. The Drake integrated sciences and mathematics general education courses were recognized with a 2003 National Teaching Model Award from the Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities (SENCER) Program sponsored by the National Science Foundation and Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U).
At Drake University, Professor Buising has helped to develop new facilities and navigate significant reallocation of campus space assignments, including multiple departmental relocations. She led the planning, design, fundraising, building, and care of the Pioneer Hi-Bred Greenhouse (1994-1997) and Pioneer Hi-Bred Biodiversity Center (1997-1999) and improved multiple other spaces, contributing to a rich research and learning environment.
Dr. Buising has been actively involved with the NASA sponsored Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) since 1997. She served as the Director of the Iowa Space Grant Consortium and the Iowa NASA Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research programs from September 2013 to May 2015 after serving as Associate Director for Research from 2009-2013. She received research funding for a number of projects, led the Drake ISGC base program for six years, and served as an ISGC campus coordinator for ten years
Dr. Buising has served on the Boards of Trustees for the Iowa Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Iowa Academy of Sciences, and Iowa Environmental Council. She brings experience and resources from her work with industry, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other governmental agencies to Drake.
