Peter A. White

Peter A. White

Professor
School of Arts & Sciences
pwhite@colby-sawyer.edu
603.526.3681

Joined the faculty in 2001. Received B.S. from University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, Ph.D. from Indiana State University. Teaching interests include physiology, cell biology, and molecular biology. Professor White's research explored the cellular and molecular events which characterize acute renal (kidney) failure. Specifically, the alterations to the cell membrane and the underlying actin cytoskeleton of renal proximal tubular cells in response to ATP-depletion. His current research interests focus on the integration of the liberal arts and STEM education.

Areas of Expertise

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • STEM Pedagogy
  • Anatomy and Physiology

Courses Recently Taught

  • Chemical and Cellular Basis of Life with Lab
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab
  • Cell Biology with Lab
  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Writing about Science and Health
  • First Year Symposium: Friday Night Lights
  • First Year Experience: Perspectives on Sustainable Development Goals

Selected Professional Activities and Appointments

  • Principal Investigator. NSF S-STEM Grant. EMERGE: Engaging, Mentoring, Retaining, and Graduating STEM Scholars. Award #1833977. $648,700. March 2019.
  • Project Director. CIC NetVUE Vocation in Undergraduate Training Professional Development Award $10,000. July 2020.
  • Project Director. Davis Educational Foundation. Vocation and Practice Integration in the Curriculum Award. $219,582. July 2020.
  • Sonja C. and William H. Davidow Endowed Chair. Colby-Sawyer College. 2021.
  • Director of Liberal Education, Colby-Sawyer College 2019-present.
  • Deliberation & Debate: Advancing Civil Discourse through First-Year Courses. Council of Independent Colleges Travel Award. Washington, D.C. July 2021.
  • White, P., L. Gu, and J. Chen. Decreased actin solubility observed during ATP-depletion is mimicked by severing agents but not depolymerizing agents in isolated and cultured proximal tubular cells. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging 22(5): 312-319, 2002.
  • White, P., R. B. Doctor, R. Dahl, and J. Chen. Coincident microvillar actin bundle disruption and perinuclear actin sequestration in anoxic proximal tubule. American Journal of Physiology, 278 (6): F886-F893, 2000.

Education

  • Ph.D. Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
  • B.S. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA