Your support of the Biology Department provides invaluable resources so that our students can engage in hands-on learning experiences that inspire a lifelong sense of intellectual curiosity.
The Department of Biology offers students the opportunity to study the living world, from biomolecules to ecosystems. Knowledge of biology is critical for addressing current medical, environmental, and social issues in our rapidly changing world. Studying biology gives students the tools to understand and think critically about how life works and evolves at all different levels, from molecules to cells to organisms to ecosystems. A degree in biology also serves as a gateway for careers in healthcare, research, teaching, or scientific journalism. The biology faculty’s varied research interests provide opportunities for students to participate in active scholarly inquiry. Biology students are encouraged to join a faculty research program early in their studies. More than 70 students each semester and more than 50 each summer pursue research.
Once again, we are competing for the most donors, with the top five departments earning bonus funds. Help us in this effort. A gift of any amount makes a lasting impact – and could help the Biology department climb the leaderboard.
Fall 2025 Seminar Schedule
We have concluded our biology seminar series for the spring semester and are grateful to all our speakers and students who participated. We will update the fall 2025 seminar schedule in August so stay tuned!
Click on the link below for the list of spring 2025 speakers.
We will announce the winners of the 4th annual Biology Department Photo/Art Contest on April 21 at our biology awards luncheon! Check back then to see our 2025 winners and all contest submissions!
Rats have lived alongside us in cities for centuries. We don’t like them, and they’re not good for us — but we don’t know what to do about them. UR’s urban ecologist and biology professor, and his students are on the case.
Priscilla Erickson, assistant professor of biology, along with Camille Walsh-Antzak, ’24, published "Strength of Enemy Release From Parasitoids Is Context Dependent in the Invasive African Fig Fly, Zaprionus indianus" in Ecology and Evolution.
John Peters, a biology professor at the University of Richmond, has received a $502,981 National Science Foundation award to support his neuroscience research on the mechanisms of learning and memory.
Carrie Wu was promoted to professor of biology. Her research investigates the mechanisms of adaptive differentiation and speciation and examines how environmental variation influences phenotypic and genetic variation among natural plant populations.
Jonathan Richardson was promoted to associate professor of biology. Jonathan integrates ecology, evolution and genomics to study applied issues related to urban ecology, epidemiology, and wildlife conservation.
Senior plans a combined career in pediatric medicine and health system evaluation and improvement.
A new research study led by University of Richmond biology professor Jonathan Richardson shows that increasing rat numbers in cities around the world are linked to a warming climate and growth of cities.
Biology professor Jonathan Richardson is featured.
Research by biology professor Jonathan Richardson is featured.
Research by biology professor Jonathan Richardson is featured.
Biology professor Jonathan Richardson is interviewed about new research.
Biology Department, Gottwald Science Center B-100
138 UR Drive
University of Richmond, VA 23173
Phone: (804) 289-8871
Fax: (804) 289-8233
Department Chair: Peter Smallwood
Academic Administrative Specialist: Emily Phaup
Pre-Health and Integrative Science: Emily Phaup