Dr. Timothy Charles Flewelen is the newest lecturer in the UNT Biological Sciences Department. Dr. Flewelen graduated from UNT with a BS in Biology and a BA in Biochemistry in 2006. From there, he went on to the Medical College of Wisconsin where he successfully wrote a F31 Predoctoral Fellowship, a five-year fellowship that funded the research and stipend for his PhD. While in graduate school, Dr. Flewelen focused on researching Sickle Cell Disease. While that remains a passion of his, his priority now is engaging and supporting students in STEM fields.

"As an alumnus of UNT, I've seen first-hand the value of an education here," Dr. Flewelen said. "When I had the opportunity to join the faculty here, I jumped at the chance. It's been a long-term dream of mine to give back to the institution that has given me so much."

Dr. Flewelen teaches Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry courses, and right now he is a lecturer for Biology 1710 and Principles of Biochemistry 3621. His goal is to encourage his students' scientific curiosity so that they can make their own connections to the subject. He strives to help students build confidence in their studies by getting involved and asking questions.

"I love teaching these subjects because I am passionate about them, and I think they are interesting. Over the years, I've learned what I really enjoy is teaching students to be confident and curious," said Dr. Flewelen.

Coming to UNT as a first-generation college student, Dr. Flewelen discovered his own passion for science here and recalls having mentors who took the time to help him develop that passion. It's important to him to be that support for his students as well, and he recognizes his essential role in the development of future researchers and scientists.

"I realize my importance as a Black male teacher. Throughout my education, I had no one that looked like me to help validate my existence in a field that I wanted to dedicate my life to," he said. "I'm reminded of a time when I went to speak at a high school in Milwaukee during my first year of graduate school. We did fun science experiments for the students and everyone was really excited, it felt great. Six years later, during my last year of graduate school, I was eating lunch in the cafeteria and a man came up to me and said, 'You probably don't remember me, but you came to my science class in high school and it really made an impact on me. I'm interviewing for medical school here and I wanted to thank you.' I will cherish that experience for the rest of my life. It taught me that representation matters to both recruitment and retention."

Father of three children, Dr. Flewelen and his family are also prolific travelers. Prior to the pandemic, he and his wife had visited twenty-five countries and thirty-five states. He and his daughter and were also featured in Southwest Airlines' magazine!

Learn more about our outstanding programs and faculty in the UNT Biological Sciences Department by visiting biology.unt.edu