Peters finds active learning engages biology students of every career path
John Peters, assistant professor of biology, published "Getting students excited about introductory biology" in ASBMB Today.
Upcoming Courses: Fall 2026
2026 Biology Photo & Art Contest
Our 5th annual biology photo/artwork contest included 13 submissions from faculty, staff and students, representing a wide range of images. We awarded one first place and two honorable mention winners.
Winning photos will be hung by early June on our Gallery Wall in Gottwald, in the hallway around off the Atrium near the Biology and Chemistry office in B100.
Biology Seminar Series
The Biology seminar series has concluded for the spring semester.
Seminars will resume at the start of the fall semester, and will take place in the Gottwald Science Center, the Auditorium (room A001) on most Mondays from 12-1 p.m.
We hope to update the fall 2026 schedule in early summer.
Get Involved with the Science Belonging Committee!
The Science Belonging Committee (SBC) creates inclusive programs that support science students at UR by offering safe spaces, essential tools, and community-building events. Comprising faculty, staff, and student ambassadors — who help plan and run events — the SBC hosts initiatives like listening sessions, research fairs, field games, career workshops, and socials to foster connection and belonging in the sciences.
Congrats 2026 Biology Award Winners!
- Willie M. Reams Award in Biology: Jeff (Ping Yen) Tsai
- Virginia Academy of Sciences, Virginia Ellett Award: Yifei Qi
- Clarence Denoon Award: Flora Yi
- Cole Memorial Scholarship Award: Rhiannon Harris
- Resilience Grant in Biology: Tomer Akad, Leanna Morris
- Biology Service Awards: Rain Tela, Ritika Relwani, Ariel Seidu
- Biology Teaching Assistant Awards: Kate Weisfenning, Flora Yi, Sanskriti Basnyat
- Biology Achievement Awards: Rachel Vandersea, Adley Zalewski, Jerry He
- Biology Research Awards: Mateo Lara-McNamara, Noelle Ledoux
- John Neasmith Dickinson Memorial Research Awards: Caro Osenga
- Robert F. Smart Summer Research Awards: Gloria Kroodsma (Grayson), Aine Macdermott (Yang), Ping (Jeff) Tsai (Richardson), Sabrina Ferrer (Quintero)
Congrats to all biology majors, award winners, and graduating seniors!
Undergraduate Research
Biology students have the unique opportunity to conduct mentored, self-directed research projects by working with biology faculty.
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.
Faculty Highlights
Carpenter-Swanson and students publish on how zebrafish models uncover hidden comorbidities in pediatric epilepsy
Colleen Carpenter-Swanson, assistant professor of biology, published “Employing zebrafish to understand genetic drivers of epilepsy-related comorbid behaviors” in Frontiers in Pharmacology along with Kharma Hall, '24, and Olivia Beatty, '24.
Wu publishes on how microbial communities are altered by plant invasion
Carrie Wu, professor of biology, published “Wavyleaf basketgrass (Oplismenus undulatifolius) invasion is associated with changes in soil microbial communities” in mSphere.
Treonis publishes on life in extreme Namib Desert environments
Amy Treonis, associate professor of biology, published “Briny Biology: Nematodes From the Hypersaline Springs of the Central Namib Desert” in Ecology & Evolution.
Biology Feature Stories
Student Scholars
Eight University of Richmond Students Awarded Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad
Eight University of Richmond students have been offered Gilman Scholarships to support their study abroad experiences.
UR Now: STUDENT EXPERIENCE
University of Richmond students win global competition
Jeff Tsai and Jasmine Johnson develop innovative device to protect coral reefs — and earn top prize in international Biodesign Sprint.
UR Now: UNIVERSITY NEWS
Three University of Richmond students earn prestigious Goldwater Scholarships
Faculty-mentored research in chemistry and ecology propels three undergraduates toward scientific careers.
UR Now: STUDENT EXPERIENCE
A&S Student Symposium showcases undergraduate research
With 400+ presenters across 30 disciplines, the annual University of Richmond event transforms campus into a forum for discovery, creativity, and collaboration.
Biology Faculty in the Media
‘They don’t belong in our environment’: US vineyards battle spotted lanternflies as invasive insects spread
Biology professor Nathan Derstine is quoted.
Give ‘Em Their Flowers
Biology professor Allison Cornell is quoted.
Rats Are Infesting More Homes Than Ever-Here's How You Can Keep Them Out
Biology professor Jonathan Richardson is quoted.
Research News
Does Halifax need a 'rat czar'?
Research by biology professor Jonathan Richardson is featured.
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