Dr. Heyen joined Olivet’s full-time faculty in 2016. He serves as chair of the Department of Chemistry and Geosciences. With more than 25 years of experience as a university professor, he teaches general chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry and introductory chemistry.
During his career, he has completed three sabbaticals focused on biochemistry, organic synthesis and chemical education. One of his favorite professional accomplishments is his work in collaboration with a group of biochemistry professors to improve biochemical pedagogy. He is a member of the American Chemical Society.
Outside the classroom and lab, Dr. Heyen enjoys music, especially vocal and piano, and is an accomplished musician. He has also served as a worship leader for many years. Cooking is another of his interests, and he loves to cook all types of food. In fact, he has a poster of the periodic table of desserts and is attempting to make each one!
He and his wife, Janell, are the parents of five children: Benjamin, Emma, Elise, Claire and MaryElena.
One of his favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:31b, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
