Jenna Ridlen, D.O.

Assistant Professor of Biology
 128B Martin Hall
256-782-5644
jridlen@jsu.edu 

Dr. Jenna Ridlen is a human biologist who pivoted her career from clinical medicine to academics when she joined the JSU Biology family in 2019. A family practitioner and doctor of osteopathy (DO) by training, she teaches several human biology and disease courses while serving as the pre-health advising committee chair and advisor for those going into the health professions. She also partners with Hudson Alpha Huntsville to offer the CODE genomics project to students interested in genetics research and bioinformatics. Her biggest passions are undergrad research and helping students transition from JSU into a graduate or professional program and/or a career in the sciences. She lives here in Jacksonville with her spouse, Dr. Tray Ridlen (who teaches in the JSU Department of Art & Design), her toddler, Margaux, and her two cats, Syrio and Cetra. In her free time she loves to read sci-fi, play tabletop board games, and hike the Chief Ladiga trail.
Jenna Ridlen

Courses Taught

  • BY 103 Introductory Biology Lab (Small World Initiative)
  • BY 122 Biology of Disease
  • BY 263 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BY 264 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
  • BY 323 Microbiology
  • BY/CS 340 Discovering Genomics & Bioinformatics
  • BY 327 Directed Studies in Biology
  • BY 427 Independent Studies in Biology
  • BY 496 Senior Seminar (WI)
  • BY 504 Problems in Biology
  • BY 570 Seminar in Developmental Biology
  • BY 576 Seminar in Physiology
  • BY 594 Biology Research Methods
  • BY 596 Research I
  • BY 598 Research
  • BY 599 Thesis

Education

  • D.O. from Des Moines University in 2013
  • B.S. in Neuroscience from Drake University in 2007
  • B.A in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology from Drake University in 2007
  • Writing Minor from Drake University in 2007

Other Responsibilities

  • Pre-Health Advising Committee Chair
  • Honors Board Member
  • Faculty Senate Representative
  • Faculty Research Symposium Committee
  • AMSA Faculty Advisor
  • APVMA Faculty Advisor
  • ASDA Faculty Advisor