Meet Eric

  • Eric J. Simon, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Biology, Biotechnology, and Health Science at New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire. There, he teaches introductory biology, human biology, and tropical marine biology. Dr. Simon also teaches international travel courses; destinations have included Belize, the Galapagos, Tanzania, Cuba, the Amazon river, Patagonia, and Machu Picchu.
  • Dr. Simon received both a B.A. in biology and computer science and an M.A. in biology from Wesleyan University, and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Harvard University.
  • Dr. Simon is the author of a widely used series of college biology textbooks with over 2 million books in print that help teach biology to students in over 40 countries.
Eric J. Simon
A man in a tie dye shirt is standing up

Education & Teaching

  • Ph.D. in biochemistry, Harvard University (1989-96). Program in Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology completed in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. Dissertation title: A Molecular Dynamics Study of a Mutation in a Bacteriophage 434 DNA/Protein Complex. Dissertation work completed in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Harrison.

  • M.A. in biology, Wesleyan University (1989). Dissertation title: Sequence Dependence of the A to B Transition in DNA: A Theoretical Approach. Dissertation work completed in the laboratory of Dr. David Beveridge.

  • B.A. in biology and math: computer science, Wesleyan University (1989). Summa cum laude, University Honors, Phi Beta Kappa.

  • Professor of biology at New England College (2002-present) and Fordham University (1997-2002), Teaching Fellow and Teaching Consultant in the Sciences, Harvard University (1990-6).

Interests & Affiliations

A group of children standing around in front of an adult.

Join our effort to feed 1,300+ Maasai schoolchildren at two elementary schools near Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania.

Basket of apples, Hillsboro Food Pantry logo.

Founder and President, Hillsboro APPLE Fund, which helps provides local produce to the Hillsboro Food Pantry

KCBS logo with flame icon.

Kansas City Barbeque Society Certified BBQ Judge, two-time state champion (NH and ME) in BBQ brisket

Seal of the State of New Hampshire.

Justice of the Peace in New Hampshire, which allows me to perform  civil weddings

Cavalier Rescue USA logo with dog illustration.

We have fostered 27 (and counting...) rescue dogs as volunteers for Cavalier Rescue USA.

Scientist in lab with New England College logo.

Professor, Department of biology, biotechnology, and health science since 2002

Eleanor Campbell Charitable Fund text logo.

Member, Board of Directors, for this private foundation that awards scholarships to local high school graduates

LINEC logo with covered bridge illustration.

Volunteer instructor and faculty liaison, helping to provide low-cost continuing education for lifelong learners

Man in airplane cockpit wearing sunglasses and headset.

I am a licensed private pilot. I flew a Cessna 172 (although it's been a while).

Blue first place ribbon with white text.

My wife and I have won over 15 blue ribbons for homemade jam at state fairs in MN, NJ, and NH.

The Well School logo with well illustration.

A proud parent of two alumni, I have also served as Science Fair Head Judge, VP of the Board of Trustees, and Interim Head of School.

Bride and groom laughing during wedding ceremony.

I am an ordained minister and enjoy performing wedding ceremonies, including two for former students.

Eric's college biology textbooks

A book cover with the words " biology core " written in front of an image of a snake.

Biology: The Core

by Eric J. Simon

A giraffe with the words biology, concepts and connections written in front of it.

Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections

by Martha R. Taylor, Eric J. Simon, Jean L. Dickey, Kelly A. Hogan, Jane B. Reece

A book cover with a picture of a plant.

Campbell Essential Biology

by Eric J. Simon, Jane B. Reece, Jean L. Dickey

A green background with the words campbell essential biology with physiology.

Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology 

by Eric J. Simon, Jane B. Reece, Jean L. Dickey

Travel Blogs

A large stone structure with a tower in the middle.

Travel Blog

Belize & Guatemala

A group of people standing in front of a statue.

Travel Blog

Cuba

A black and white ostrich standing in the grass.

Travel Blog

Tanzania

A view of the mountains and water from above.

Travel Blog

Patagonia

A body of water with trees and houses in the background.

Travel Blog

Peruvian Amazon

A close up of two lizards on top of each other

Travel Blog

Galapagos

Machu Picchu ruins with surrounding mountain landscape.

Travel Blog

Machu Picchu

Resources

Check a Source

A free website created by Eric that allows anyone to judge the reliability of a scientific source.

Eric's TedX talk

Instructional technologies - Changing teaching and learning

Biology songs

Eric maintains a list of songs that intersect with the biology curriculum so that professors can enliven class with music.