Department of Biology

Department of Biology

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.

Major & MinorCourses

biology seminar series

Biology Seminar Series

Monday, November 4, 2024

Karen Barnard-Kubow, Genomics Research Director and Education CoordinatorJames Madison University

  • Exploring plant speciation and aquatic community ecology using nanopore sequencing tools

 

Students standing in semi-circle formation in desert setting

Undergraduate Research

Biology students have the unique opportunity to conduct mentored, self-directed research projects by working with biology faculty
2024 Biology Gallery Submissions

2024 Biology Photo & Art Contest

Our 3rd annual biology photo/artwork contest included 21 submissions from faculty, staff and students, representing a wide range of images and artwork as seen above. Click below to see our 2024 winners!

Urban Ecology Research

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.

Congrats 2024 Biology Award Winners!

  • Willie M. Reams Award in Biology: Chris Rawson
  • Nominee for the Clarence Denoon Award: Kalynn Cheeks
  • Nominee for the Cole Memorial Scholarship Award: Ariel Seidu
  • Nominee for the Van Divender Scholarship Award: Kalynn Cheeks
  • Biology Service Awards: Lesley Boadu, Shermin Uzair, Jillian Yates
  • Biology Teaching Assistant Awards: Olivia Beatty, Sarah Clark
  • Biology Junior Research Award: Jerry He

  

  • Biology Senior Research Awards: Olivia Beatty, Camille Walsh-Antzak
  • Biology Junior Achievement Awards: Jerry He and Lydia Wood
  • Biology Senior Achievement Award: Marina Ragoulina
  • John Neasmith Dickinson Memorial Research Awards: John (Zhiang) Fan, Chloe Ngo,
    Jerry He, Amy Jablonski
  • Robert F. Smart Summer Research Awards: Katie Baker, Charlotte Brand, Elliot Delroba,
    Emi Iguchi, Sarah Marsden, Camille Walsh-Antzak

Congratulations to this year's winners, and to all our biology majors!

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Amy Treonis
Treonis Published

Amy Treonis, associate professor of biology, published “Description of Panagrolaimus namibiensis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Panagrolaimidae), an anhydrobiotic nematode from the Namib Desert of Namibia” in the Journal of Nematology with Christopher Rawson, ’23, London Nemmers, ’23, and Department of Biology collaborator, Stacey Criswell, director of microscopy and imaging.

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Dr. Stacey Criswell
Criswell Published

Stacey Criswell, director of microscopy and imaging, published “Description of Panagrolaimus namibiensis n. sp. (Rhabditida: Panagrolaimidae), an anhydrobiotic nematode from the Namib Desert of Namibia” in the Journal of Nematology with Christopher Rawson, ’23, London Nemmers, ’23, and Department of Biology collaborator, Amy Treonis, associate professor of biology.

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Dr. Todd Lookingbill
Lookingbill Published

Todd Lookingbill, professor of geography, environment, & sustainability, published “A Heat Emergency: Urban Heat Exposure and Access to Refuge in Richmond, VA” in GeoHealth.

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Dr. Kristine Grayson
Grayson Awarded

Kristine Grayson, associate professor of biology, received the 2024 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the University of Richmond at Colloquy.

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Upcoming Events

Contact Us

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