MEET dr. dan ebeling '98

Professor of Chemistry; Chair of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Began his career at WLC in 2001

What do you enjoy most about your role at WLC?

I simply love teaching and helping students grow. It isn’t just in the classroom – I have the opportunity to work on really interesting research projects that engage students in industry applications. In all these ways I get to know students as individuals and grow with them scientifically and spiritually.

Who has had the greatest influence on you during your time at WLC?

Dr. Paul Boehlke (pictured) has had a great impact on my life as a student, as a colleague, and as a friend, continuing into his retirement years. He was instrumental in showing me how science and faith fit together. He also is a model in selflessly caring about other people.

How can alumni and the college’s supporters impact what you do for WLC?

WLC is becoming more intentional in helping students plan, prepare for, and have opportunities in their careers. We are providing a “career ecosystem” in which all faculty and staff have a role in helping students. The part that is the most exciting is connecting our students with alumni and friends of WLC. My former students have expressed a desire to give back with their expertise. We have an army of people who love WLC’s mission and our students. I want to do better in facilitating these relationships; don’t be surprised if I reach out asking for help!

What is one thing you’d tell a freshman they need to experience during their time as a student at WLC?

Experience the spiritual growth opportunities! We are all at different places in growing closer to our Savior. A few years ago, there was a freshman (now a dear friend) who wasn’t sure if chapel was also for him. We attended together, and we had four years of building each other up daily. Yes, it is for everyone!

Name one area where WLC has seen the most growth since you were a student?

WLC is always adapting to provide students with knowledge and skills for careers that are new or may not even exist yet. We recently added majors in Data Science, Actuarial Science, and Cybersecurity. Really, Cybersecurity? I didn’t imagine that when I brought my word processor (think fancy typewriter) to campus as a freshman.

What hasn’t changed at WLC since you were a student?

WLC’s mission and commitment to Christ has not changed. I know that I wouldn’t want to be here if we ever lost that – it would make me too sad. By the grace of God I am surrounded by people who share that commitment and vision for the future. Talk to anyone; it is a non-negotiable. It manifests in relationships. My school mates are my life-long friends (I married a special one). My professors are life-long friends (best man in Beyer's wedding, repeatedly crashing on G’s couch on weekends when I’d come back to visit my “special one”). Now after 25+ years of teaching at WLC, I cherish the relationships with WLC grads. Some I teach alongside, some we visit on family vacations. They also know they have an Ebeling home when they come back to Warrior Camp.

Share one fun fact about yourself that others may not know.

My family studied Mandarin Chinese formally for a decade, lived in China for a half-year, and continue to learn.

Tell us your favorite WLC story.

There have been some amazing ones over the years, and I'll highlight a few ...

Not a "favorite” but memorable was when my freshman dorm room burned (I was off campus, no one was hurt, but my word processor melted) ... or when we launched a boat with CHE 210 students to measure phosphorus in Pewaukee Lake, but I forgot to put the drain plug in and had to dive into the water to keep it from sinking. 

Another memory that stands out was the day that the modular buildings for science labs (later the modern language/esports/track/cross country space) were placed next to the Schwan Library and Center for Arts and Performance. A handful of students borrowed a shovel (the one used for the library groundbreaking) and had an impromptu ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

Two awesome stories include a student who failed my general chemistry class and is now a successful medical doctor, as well as working on a research project with one of my students who asked his dad (works in a printing/engraving shop) about printing chemical sensors, and he came up with the critical ingredient for the formula. The technology was patented, and now there are over a million chemical sensors with that formula.