Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences!
The teaching and research mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary biology at multiple levels, from molecules and cells, to organisms and entire ecosystems.
News and Events
Internships and Summer Research Program Resources
Interested in learning more about Internships and Summer Research programs happening across the country? Check here for our new Summer research program resource page.
Research Opportunities for Undergraduates
Are you an undergraduate interested in getting involved with research? Check here to find out which professors currently have openings for undergraduates.
Recent extramural awards
- Department of Biological Sciences Faculty are top performers in obtaining extramural funds. Awards in fiscal year '23 exceed $8 million.
- Dr. Deanna Arble, assistant professor, has received an NIH R15 grant ($456,882) to study novel treatments for obesity-related respiratory disease by uncovering neuronal etiology.
Faculty Kudos
Department of Biological Sciences was recently recognized for excellence in faculty research and undergraduate experience.
Dr. Allison Abbott is a 2024 recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award, the university's highest teaching honor.
A newly discovered species of dwarf gecko called Lygodactylus gamblei has been named after associate professor Dr. Tony Gamble to recognize his significant contributions to the evolutionary biology of geckos.
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Graduate Student Achievements
Claire Radtke received the People's Choice Award and took 3rd place in The Science Coalition's annual "Fund It Forward" video competition
Kristen Quaglia received 2nd place in the Graduate Student Poster Competition.
Chloe Langridge has been awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation
2024-25
Arthur J. Schmitt Leadership Fellowship: Kristen Quaglia
Rev. John P. Raynor, S.J. Fellowship: Hannah Buchholz
Richard W. Jobling Distinguished Research Assistantship: Sarah Rolli
MU Fellowship award winners: Claire Radtke, Kat Sullivan, Maddie Sutton, Cole Doolittle
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The department of Biological Sciences features an innovative and rigorous multidisciplinary research program.
Undergraduate Brochure
Download the essentials about our programs with this convenient PDF brochure.
Learn more about our majors and what its like to be an undergraduate studying in the biological sciences in this video.