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

Next Event

March 20, 2023

Dr. Shoshanah Inwood, The Ohio State University

How my biology degree prepared me to be a sociologist researching the ways our food system is dependent on farmer access to health insurance

Monday, 12-1pm, Gottwald Auditorium, A001

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. 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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Dr. Jory Brinkerhoff
Brinkerhoff Awarded

Jory Brinkerhoff, associate professor of biology, was named a 2022 recipient of the University’s Distinguished Scholarship Award at the annual Colloquy celebration.

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Dr. Angie Hilliker
Hilliker Awarded

Angie Hilliker, associate professor of biology, was named a 2022 recipient of the University’s Distinguished Educator Award at the annual Colloquy celebration.

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Dr. Kristine Grayson
Grayson Awarded

Kristine Grayson, associate professor of biology, has been awarded $116,800 from the United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for “Research and Development on a Rearing System for Emerald Ash Borer.” This is the Grayson's fourth year of funding. 

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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

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