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

Upcoming Courses: Fall 2023

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
Biology Seminar Series

Biology Seminar Series

2023-2024 Biology Seminar Series Events Coming Soon!

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.

2023 BIOL Photo/Art Contest
students in Gottwald; two holding flags

TriBeta Biology Honor Society Induction Ceremony

The newly revived UR chapter of the TriBeta Biology Honor Society is excited to induct its first members since 2019!  (left to right, top row): Shermin Uzair, Jillian Yates, Nicky Ramirez Veliz, Katie Zerwekh, Dominique Pham, Lindsey Stevens, Lex Misoka. (left to right, bottom row): Annika Wells, Allison Nguyen, Mikayla Quinn, Tess Keppel, Kayla Lambert.

TriBeta strives to recognize achievement in Biology, provide professional development opportunities and promote a safe and productive community. We will be recruiting new members in Fall 2023!  For more information or to join, please contact our current president, Dominique Pham at dominique.pham@richmond.edu

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Omar Quintero-Carmona
Quintero-Carmona & Undergraduate Published

Omar A. Quintero-Carmona, associate professor of biology, published the article "Myo19 Tethers Mitochondria to Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Actin to Promote Mitochondrial Fission" in the Journal of Cell Science with Joseph Rhodenhiser, '22. Rhodenhiser's work was completed at UR and at UPenn and funded by an Arts & Sciences summer research fellowship.

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Dr. João F. R. Tonini
Tonini Published

João Tonini, postdoctoral researcher associate in biology, published the article "Multilocus Phylogeography, Population Genetics and Niche Evolution of Australian Brown and Black-tailed Treecreepers (Aves: Climacteris)" in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.

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Dr. João F. R. Tonini
Tonini Published

João Tonini, postdoctoral researcher associate in biology, published the article "Invest in Early-Career Researchers in Brazil," in Science.

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Dr. Angie Hilliker
Hilliker Leads $625,000 Grant

Angie Hilliker, associate professor of biology, is the principal investigator on a Howard Hughes Medical Institute $625,000 Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) grant. Working with an interdisciplinary team of faculty, the six-year program will study barriers to student inclusivity. Read more.

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Upcoming Events

No events scheduled at this time.

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

Interim Department Chair: Jory Brinkerhoff
Academic Administrative Specialist: Emily Phaup
Pre-Health and Integrative Science: Emily Phaup