Matthew Kreitzer

Dr. Matthew Kreitzer is Professor of Biology and Dean of the School of Science, Engineering, and Education at Indiana Wesleyan University. Since joining the university in 2003, following the completion of his Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Neurobiology from University of Illinois, Dr. Kreitzer has combined academic leadership with a deep commitment to Christ-centered undergraduate education, scientific discovery, and student mentorship. He is passionate about integrating faith and learning while equipping students to pursue excellence in science, healthcare, research, and service.

Dr. Kreitzer teaches courses spanning introductory biology, anatomy and physiology, and advanced neuroscience, providing students with both strong scientific foundations and meaningful hands-on research experiences.

Mentoring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Dr. Kreitzer is deeply committed to mentoring undergraduate students through research and student-centered STEM initiatives that cultivate curiosity, confidence, community, and belonging. His work has helped students develop as scientists, scholars, and servant leaders prepared to make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Kreitzer has contributed to five grants awarded by the National Science Foundation to Indiana Wesleyan University. Two of these grants supported undergraduate neuroscience research investigating communication between neurons and glial cells within the central nervous system. More than 70 undergraduate students have participated in this research program, serving as co-authors on numerous scientific presentations—including presentations at the annual Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting and meetings of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology—as well as undergraduate co-authors on peer-reviewed publications in respected journals such as PLOS ONE, Journal of General Physiology, Journal of Neurophysiology, European Journal of Neuroscience, and Visual Neuroscience.

In addition to advancing undergraduate research, Dr. Kreitzer has helped lead NSF-funded initiatives that provide scholarships and support systems for STEM students, with a particular focus on fostering student success, engagement, and belonging throughout their academic journey.