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

Apply Here
biology seminar series

Biology Seminar Series

Monday, Sept. 9

Jean Gonzales, (UR alum, 22’ Biology) 3rd Year PhD Candidate, Biochemistry, VCU

Sphingolipid signaling coordinates astrocyte-neuron crosstalk and neural circuit assemblyJean

12-1pm, Gottwald Auditorium A001

Discover More Seminar Series Events
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. 
Undergraduate Research
Student-Faculty Collaborations
Faculty Publications
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!

2024 PHOTO/ARTWORK CONTEST 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.

Read More

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. Kristine Grayson
Grayson & UR Alumni Published

Kristine Grayson, associate professor of biology, and UR alumni Petra Hafker, '21, published "Geographic variation in larval cold tolerance and exposure across the invasion front of a widely established forest insect" in the journal Insect Science.

View Bio
Dr. Linda M. Boland
Boland Published

Linda Boland, professor of biology, coauthored chapters "Faculty Re-Engagement: A Sabbatical Planning Guide to Support Productivity and Well-Being," and "Leveraging a Consortial Approach for Mid-Career Faculty Learning Communities" in A Toolkit for Mid-Career Academics.

View Bio
Load More Accomplishments
Submit an Accomplishment

Upcoming Events

Sep 09
Biology Seminar Series: Sphingolipid signaling coordinates astrocyte-neuron crosstalk and neural circuit assembly
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Sep 12
Timothy Morton, "The War Against the Holy Spirit of Life: Some Countermeasures."
4:00 PM
Sep 14
School of Arts & Sciences Meet the Deans
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sep 16
Biology Seminar Series
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
See More Events

Resources

Gottwald Science Center

Lab Safety

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee 

Integrated Inclusive Science Program

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