Dr. Sarah Comstock
Professor of Biology
Education
- Ph.D. Biology – Portland State University
- B.S. Biology – Biola University
About Dr. Comstock
Dr. Comstock teaches in the areas of physiology and cell and molecular biology. Dr. Comstock’s ongoing research at Corban University is supported through the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust and focuses on the effects of sugar induced obesity on liver metabolism and cataract development.
Sarah’s husband is an elementary school P.E. teacher. The Comstocks have five adopted children, one adopted son from Haiti and four children from Oregon. At Corban, Sarah is the faculty sponsor and leader of the science department’s annual short-term medical mission trip, where students and medical professionals minister through medical clinics in Honduras. She is also the vice-president of the nonprofit organization Project Living Hope, which works in Haiti.
Recently Taught Courses
Human Anatomy & Physiology
Examine the structure and function of the human body in this foundational course. Learn about cells, tissues, and key systems—skeletal, muscular, and nervous—through both lecture and lab, preparing you for future studies in healthcare and life sciences.
Healthcare Practice in the Developing World
Gain practical skills in community-based healthcare while preparing for a medical missions trip to a developing nation. Learn to assess health needs, promote sustainable practices, and serve alongside professionals with compassion and competence.
Biomechanics
Discover how the body moves. Study the mechanics of muscles, bones, and joints to evaluate movement, improve performance, and reduce injury. Learn to analyze human motion through both scientific data and real-world applications.
Biology I with Lab
Explore the building blocks of life through hands-on lab work and engaging lessons in cellular biology, genetics, and molecular processes. Investigate how animals function, adapt, and interact within the environment, while developing scientific thinking and research skills.
I chose to teach at Corban University because of the school’s mission ‘to educate students to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.’ Not only is the University dedicated to students learning in their subject, we also care about the student as a whole. We want to help students mature in their walk with Christ, while also using the gifts God gave them within their specific discipline. The University is dedicated to excellence in education, and I am excited to be a part of the process.
Dr. Sarah Comstock
Publications
Harris RA, Alcott CE, Sullivan EL, Takahashi D, McCurdy CE, Comstock S, Baquero K, Blundell P, Frias AE, Kahr M, Suter M, Wesolowski S, Friedman JE, Grove KL, Aagaard KM. (2016) Genomic Variants Associated with Resistance to High Fat Diet Induced Obesity in a Primate Model. Scientific Reports. 6:36123
Enriori PJ, Chen W, Garcia-Rudaz MC, Grayson BE, Evans AE, Comstock SM, Gebhardt U, Müller HL, Reinehr T, Henry BA, Brown RD, Bruce CR, Simonds SE, Litwak SA, McGee SL, Luquet S, Martinez S, Jastroch M, Tschöp MH, Watt MJ, Clarke IJ, Roth CL, Grove KL, Cowley MA. (2016) α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone promotes muscle glucose uptake via melanocortin 5 receptors. Molecular Metabolism. 5(10):807-22
Howden, D., Boekenoogen, C., Wagoner, J., Miller, Shaina, Mendez-Guajardo, B. Faculty Advisor: Comstock, S. (2015) The effects of creatine supplementation on muscular strength and endurance in mice. Proceedings of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Wagoner, J., Felzien, E., Vetter, C., Johnson, K., Rodriguez, A. Faculty Advisor: Comstock, S. (2015) Development of a mouse model of obesity via sucrose consumption. Proceedings of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Pound L.D., Comstock S.M., Grove K.L. (2014). Consumption of a Western-style diet during pregnancy impairs offspring islet vascularization in a Japanese macaque model. American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, 307(1):E115-23. 6.
Nicol, L. E., Grant, W. F., Grant, W. R., Comstock, S.M., Nguyen, M. L., Smith, M. S., … Marks, D. L. (2013). Pancreatic inflammation and increased islet macrophages in insulin-resistant juvenile primates. The Journal of Endocrinology, 217(2), 207–213 7.
Fellow Faculty
Dr. Christine Sommers
Director of Nursing | Associate Professor of Nursing
csommers@corban.edu(503) 375-7095
