Department of Biology - School of Arts and Sciences

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.

Biology Feature Stories

Grayson Receives Department of Agriculture Grant
Kristine L. Grayson, associate professor of biology, received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for continuing research on the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive species of beetle.

Richardson Awarded Grant Jonathan Richardson, assistant professor of biology, received a grant for research on zoonotic disease risk in Richmond's rat population.

UR Biology Professor Jonathan Richardson Receives Grant for Research on Zoonotic Disease Risk in Richmond Rat Population

Jonathan Richardson, assistant professor of biology at the University of Richmond, has been awarded $100K from the Thomas F. and Kate Miller Jeffress Memorial Trust for his research on rodents and zoonotic disease risk in Richmond, Virginia.

University of Richmond Biology Professor Kristine Grayson Awarded Nearly $75K from USDA for Research on Invasive Pests

Biology professor Kristine Grayson has been awarded nearly $75,000 from the USDA to fund a research project focusing on the box tree moth, an invasive pest detrimental to boxwoods when they are caterpillars.

UR Biology Professor Colleen Carpenter-Swanson Receives Grant Support for Research on Severe Epilepsy in Children

Biology professor Colleen Carpenter-Swanson has been awarded $25,000 from the LGS Foundation for her research on Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe childhood-onset epilepsy.

Sevin Received NSF Grant
Jennifer Sevin, visiting lecturer of biology, received a grant from the National Science Foundation for a project focused on undergraduate research exploring the wildlife trade. Read more here.

Biology Professor Jennifer Sevin Receives NSF Grant to Support Project Related to Wildlife Trade & Undergraduate Research

Biology professor Jennifer Sevin has received a grant from the National Science Foundation for a project focused on undergraduate research exploring the wildlife trade.

Leading a hospital during a pandemic

Adapting to rapid changes is key to leading during a crisis

University of Richmond Student Selected as Luce Scholar

Fiona Carter-Tod, a University of Richmond senior, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Luce Scholars Program. Carter-Tod is UR’s first Luce Scholar.

Maurakis Receives Grant
Eugene Maurakis, an evolutionary biologist who specializes in environmental sciences, has received more than $200K in grant support from the National Science Foundation for research on freshwater fishes in Virginia. Read more.

University of Richmond Biologist Eugene Maurakis Awarded NSF Grant for Documentary Focusing on Freshwater Fish Research

Eugene Maurakis, an evolutionary biologist who specializes in environmental sciences, has received more than $200K in grant support from the National Science Foundation for research on freshwater fishes in Virginia.

Maurakis Receives Film Award
Eugene Maurakis, a research scientist and adjunct professor, has been awarded “Best Short Film” in the RVA Environmental Film Festival for “Plastic Oceans,” which explores plastic pollution in oceanic environments through art. Read more.

RVA Environmental Film Festival Awards UR Biology Professor 'Best Short Film' for Work Exploring Ocean Pollution through Art

Eugene Maurakis, a University of Richmond research scientist and adjunct professor, has been awarded “Best Short Film” in the RVA Environmental Film Festival for “Plastic Oceans,” which explores plastic pollution in oceanic environments through art.

Lookingbill Awarded
Todd Lookingbill, associate professor of geography, environmental studies, and biology, has been named an Outstanding Faculty Award recipient by the State Council of Higher Education. Read more.

University of Richmond Professor Todd Lookingbill Receives State Council of Higher Education Outstanding Faculty Award

Todd Lookingbill, University of Richmond associate professor of geography, environmental studies, and biology, has been named an Outstanding Faculty Award recipient by the State Council of Higher Education.

Resources

Gottwald Science Center

Biology Seminar Series

Library Research Guide

Integrated Inclusive Science Program

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

Office of Sustainability

Laboratory Incident Report Form

Contact Us

Mailing address:
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: Krista Stenger
Administrative Coordinator: Emily Phaup
Administrative Coordinator, Pre-Health and Integrative Science: Deatrice Cleaton

Biology feature story

Dr. Carrie Wu, Dr. Kristine Nolin, and three UR students have published "Convergence of glandular trichome morphology and chemistry in two montane monkeyflower (Mimulus, Phrymaceae) species” in the journal Flora.

Bustamante Eguiguren S, H Nguyen, A Caldwell, KA Nolin, and CA Wu. 2020. Convergence of glandular trichome morphology and chemistry in two montane monkeyflower (Mimulus, Phrymaceae) species. Flora 265: 151567.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0367253020300311

2021 Student Award Winners

Congratulations to the following student award winners!

Willie M. Reams Award in Biology: Brianna Lebeck
Clarence Denoon Award: Jean Patrick Gonzales
Cole Memorial Scholarship: Rashel Amador
John Neasmith Dickinson Memorial Research Award: Andrew Cook; Jean Patrick Gonzales
Robert F. Smart Award in Biology: Rachel Pak; Josh Pandian; Anya Shehady; Kathryn Reda
Department of Biology Service Award: Savannah Del Cid
Department of Biology Teaching Assistant Award: Caterina Erdas
Department of Biology Research Award: Petra Hafker (Senior); Narmeen Rashid (Sophomore)
Department of Biology Achievement Award: Ryan Shah (Senior); Kristen Stark (Junior)