Kiki HarbitzFaculty

I started my teaching career at Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2001, as a student teacher in the Department of Biological Sciences.  I also conducted ecological research on aquatic macroinvertebrates between 2001 and 2003.

I have been a member of the faculty at Gustavus Adolphus College since fall of 2003.  I spent my first ten years working both in the Department of Biology and in the Department of Health and Exercise Science.  In my years at Gustavus, I have had the opportunity to teach a variety of courses including: Anatomy and Physiology courses, Principles of Biology, General Biology: Diversity, Organismal Biology Discussions, and Evolution, Ecology and Behavior.  I also do/have served as laboratory coordinator for several of these courses.  I have taught/advised January-term courses including: Horticulture, Current Issues in Biology, and Career Explorations. 

I began working full-time in the Department of Health and Exercise Science in the Fall of 2013, teaching Your Body: Awareness and Advocacy lectures and laboratory (HES 233) as well as Anatomy and Physiology I and II laboratories (HES 234 & 235).  I am also the lab coordinator for all sections of Anatomy and Physiology at Gustavus Adolphus College.  I enjoy working with the diverse group of students that these courses are taken by.  I consider myself very fortunate to be able to look forward to going to work each day.  I truly do what I love and am lucky to call the Gustavus community my home away from home.  Our students, as well as our faculty and staff, are exceptional. 

Outside of my time at the college, I enjoy spending time with friends and family including my husband, Dr. Josh Harbitz (also an Anatomy and Physiology instructor at Gustavus Adolphus College), and our three sons, who were born in 2010, 2012 and 2017. We spend our time enjoying the outdoors, with our pets, fostering dogs (mostly puppies) for Rescue Network, gardening and raising hosta varieties, hiking, running, rock climbing, camping, reading books, learning, storm chasing, and exploring (as well as appreciating) the world around us. I am also a photographer with a deep love for capturing the special moments in life.

Courses Taught