Dr. Petersen joined the Department of Biology in the fall of 2003. Ken received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Iowa State University. He is no stranger to teaching, having served as a professor at Monmouth College, Viterbo College, and most recently, Dordt College, where he was Professor and Chair of Environmental Studies. He also has had a variety of off-campus teaching experiences, including summer teaching at AuSable Institute of Environmental Studies and at the Wheaton College Science Station.

Dr. Petersen's research interests have focused primarily on the ecology of grassland birds and creation stewardship. At Bethel he directs the Environmental Studies program and he is currently teaching ENS102D Environment and Humanity, BIO321 Aquatic Biology, and BIO301 Wildlife Ecology and Management.

Dr. Petersen also teaches GES313K Greening the Built Environment and ENS205 Sustainable Living.