Our department’s mission is to provide students with a comprehensive background in biology, supported by basic knowledge in the natural science disciplines of chemistry, physics, and mathematics. With this background, students are prepared to enter professional or graduate school programs or to seek employment in entry-level biological science positions in government or the private sector.

In addition to teaching, the biology faculty have active research programs that provide opportunities for student involvement not normally afforded undergraduates. Biology faculty research is supported by federal, state, and private agency grants, including three Early Career Development Awards from the National Science Foundation, the foundation’s most prestigious awards for junior faculty.