Dr. David Penning, Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Health at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), has played a pivotal role in biology research and expanding research opportunities for students at MSSU. Dr. Penning works with animals and students to conduct hands-on research projects and expand knowledge of reptile biology.

When Dr. Penning first came to MSSU, the research lab was virtually nonexistent. “It was exactly the size of a five-gallon bucket,” he states, emphasizing the lack of space dedicated for animal research. Over time, Dr. Penning was able to expand the lab, which now contains 200 reptiles and amphibians, and with 600-700 mice and rats. In particular, Dr. Penning works with snakes and rodents within his research. “Humans have about 750 muscles, while a snake has around 15,000,” he explains. By studying the snake musculature, it can provide valuable insights into biomechanics that can be used to understand humans. His research includes a variety of snake specimens from North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Another important aspect that Dr. Penning provides is allowing students the opportunity to have hands-on experience. “There is a difference between learning how to do something and actually doing it,” Dr. Penning states. He explains that it is far more important to have this hands-on experience in order to become a biologist.

For students to have this hands-on experience, Dr. Penning established the Mammal Husbandry Lab in 2020. This lab allowed students to gain practical experience in animal care and handling. “We needed rodents to feed our snakes, and we needed students to gain experience handling animals,” he explains. Through hands-on experience, students can apply this knowledge to real-life situations, preparing them for future careers in research or animal-related fields. Dr. Penning’s lab helps students explore a field in vet care. Students exploring the vet field can greatly benefit from Penning’s Lab, as it provides experience in handling a wide variety of animals and engaging in real-world animal care, including assessing pain pathways and pain management.

In terms of on-field research, Dr. Penning’s research goes beyond the lab, taking students into the field under harsh weather conditions. “Whether it’s freezing temperatures or extreme heat, our students learn to navigate real-world challenges,” he says. Dr. Penning’s students set themselves up to stand out career-wise by gaining this experience. One of Dr. Penning’s key research areas involves snake strike speed and predation. Dr. Penning examines the mechanism that snakes have in order to consume other snakes. One of the aspects that Dr. Penning was able to conclude was that snakes show a tradeoff between strength and speed. “The assumption has always been that venomous snakes are the fastest strikers, but our data challenged that notion,” he explains. Dr. Penning was able to compare the snakes and found that king snakes have been shown to be 20% stronger than other snakes.

Lastly, Dr. Pennings emphasizes the importance of scientific publication. “Anybody can write something down but validating it through peer review is what makes it science,” he says. Encouraging students to publish their findings not only enhances their academic credentials but also prepares them for competitive careers in biology and makes their applications more promising. “If you can produce research that contributes to your field, you’re more likely to be recognized,” he adds. Through the publications, students can add to the scientific community, potentially leading to collaborations and providing attraction to their resumes. Overall, through his dedication to research, education, and working with students, Dr. Penning continues to expand the boundaries of biology and create opportunities for students to grow and succeed in their future careers.