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We honor top leaders from fraternities and sororities who have shown strong dedication to good grades, community service, and the values of Greek life. This special honor society encourages members to keep developing their leadership skills and serving both campus and community.

Enjoy civic participation. We explore political theory, analyze current events, and engage in civics. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of democratic processes and governance. We welcome students from all perspectives (though you must commit to respectful dialogue).

We work toward an understanding of financial markets, career opportunities, and money management. We build networks within the financial services industry.

Dr. Janie Frandsen is the Arthur Glass, Charles Hamrum, and Arne Langsjoen Endowed Professor of Biochemistry. Holding a joint appointment in the departments of Biology and Chemistry, she teaches and advises students in the interdisciplinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) program. In her courses, students explore the intersection of the biological and chemical worlds while developing a scientific mindset, essential skills for careers in research or medicine. More importantly, within a liberal arts context, she guides students to become sophisticated thinkers, problem-solvers, and communicators who possess a deep sense of identity, meaning, and purpose — skills that prepare them for lives of leadership and service, no matter what their future holds.

Dr. Frandsen’s research focuses on studying the structure-function relationship of non-coding regulatory RNAs in bacteria, such as riboswitches and small RNAs. Using Escherichia coli as a model organism, her lab combines computational, biochemical, and genetic techniques to understand these molecular mechanisms, with the long-term goal of aiding the development of novel antibiotics to combat antibiotic resistance. Undergraduate researchers engage in high-impact, hands-on discovery, executing experiments ranging from cell culture-based reporter assays to in vitro binding assays with transcribed RNAs and purified proteins. Dr. Frandsen and her students routinely present their work on and off campus and seek support through internal and external grants.

In the classroom, Dr. Frandsen creates structured, inclusive spaces where every student can thrive. Recognizing that students enter college with unique paths and positionalities, she pairs high expectations with robust, equitable support frameworks. To shift focus from stressful numeric grades to deep, formative learning, she implements innovative alternative grading practices, including “ungrading” and contract grading, in her courses. Whether analyzing real-world case studies, developing a growth mindset, or exploring vocation, students are challenged to see themselves as fully capable scientists and multifaceted humans.

Dr. Frandsen’s dedication to excellence extends to her service and leadership on campus. Notably, she has collaborated with her BMB colleagues to complete a comprehensive program review and secure accreditation from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) for the Gustavus BMB program. This prestigious distinction ensures that Gustavus BMB majors graduate from a program validated at the highest national level, opening doors to future careers in academic research, scientific industries, and health professions.

Outside of the classroom and laboratory, Dr. Frandsen claims the title of adventurer. Her adventures range from the local, such as exploring regional hiking trails with her dog, trying out new recipes, or learning a new fiber art, to the momentous, including international hiking trips and family trips to America’s National Parks.

Dr. Janie Frandsen CV

We provide hands-on experience with investment strategies, portfolio management, and financial analysis. We also connect students with professionals in the financial services industry.

We are a fraternity that helps men grow as leaders, students, and active members of the community. We focus on building strong friendships while encouraging personal growth, academic success, and service to others.

We are all about building strong relationships at Gustavus while making a positive difference through service and fun events. Our group believes in creating lasting memories and special moments that make college better for everyone.

Dr. Jillian Downey is the Clifford M. Swanson Endowed Professor of Mathematics and Associate Professor of Statistics in the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics. Her teaching at Gustavus spans the full breadth of the statistics curriculum, ranging from introductory courses like Introduction to Statistical Methods to specialized advanced topics like Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics.  Driven by a commitment to innovative, student-centered pedagogy, Dr. Downey routinely incorporates active learning models, free open-source materials, and alternative grading frameworks, like standards-based grading, to support student success.

Dr. Downey’s scholarship focuses on statistics education, education research methodology, and statistical consulting. Her research investigates how alternative grading schemes impact student buy-in and performance, as well as how statistical methods can better account for structure in educational assessment data. A dedicated scholar-educator, her interdisciplinary work and educational research have resulted in multiple peer-reviewed articles in publications such as Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies, the Journal of Statistics and Data Science Education, and Research in Higher Education. She also co-hosts a podcast, "T5: Talking Through Teaching Tensions Together," where she explores pedagogical practices alongside fellow statistics educators.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Downey is deeply engaged in service at Gustavus. She currently serves as Department Chair as well as on the Faculty Senate. She led departmental initiatives to build transparent student worker guidelines and contributed broadly to the campus community through roles on the Curriculum Committee, the Institutional Review Board, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Grant Leadership Team. Passionate about working with Gustavus students, she regularly guides students through applied statistical collaborations, including projects analyzing workplace safety data and investigating inclusive teaching practices in STEM.

A Gustavus alumna herself, Dr. Downey considers getting to work with future Gustie alums as the best part of her job.

Dr. Jillian Downey CV