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 2024

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

Spring 2024 Biology Seminar Series

Monday, April 1, 2024

Lizzie Godschall, PhD Candidate, University of Virginia 

Decoding GLP1R Agonists like Ozempic: Mechanisms of Next Generation Therapeutics on Appetite Control

12-1p.m.

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 Gallery Award Winners

2024 Biology Photo & Art Contest

We are inviting members of the community, including students, alumni, faculty and staff, to submit photos and artwork for our third annual photo contest to highlight biologists in action. We are accepting entries through April 5, 2024. Click here for full details and to enter the contest.

Last year we received nearly 30 submissions and thank everyone for their submitted photography and artwork. Click here to see submissions and winners from the 2023.

Congrats 2023 Award Winners!

  • Willie M. Reams Award in Biology: Narmeen Rashid
  • Clarence Denoon Award: Chris Rawson
  • Cole Memorial Scholarship Award: Olivia Beatty
  • John Neasmith Dickinson Memorial Research Award: Chris Rawson
  • Robert F. Smart Award in Biology: Yagmur Bingul, Elizabeth Forrey, Sophia Jackson, Maddie Olvey, Dominique Pham, Nina Price, Wesley Tsai, Elena Zerkin

 

 

  • Department of Biology Service Award: Dominique Pham
  • Department of Biology Teaching Assistant Award: Sophia Jackson
  • Department of Biology Teaching Assistant Award: Becca Walsh
  • Department of Biology Sophomore Research Award: Jerry He
  • Department of Biology Junior Research Award: Kharma Hall
  • Department of Biology Senior Research Award: Maddie Olvey
  • Department of Biology Junior Achievement Award: Ian Shogren
  • Department of Biology Senior Achievement Award: Dominique Pham
OAK2 Sorority

ODK Induction Ceremony

Biology department faculty Colleen Carpenter-Swanson was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Epsilon Circle on Friday, January 26, 2024. ODK executive members who officiated the ceremony included Gottwald’s very own Jillian Yates ’24, Helen Xia ’24, Olivia Beatty ’24 and Corina Stasiak ’24 (left to right). The ODK Epsilon Circle honors exceptional student, faculty, staff, and alumni leaders who enrich our campus community. Give a warm Spider congratulations to the new ODK members!

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Omar Quintero-Carmona
Quintero-Carmona Presented

Omar A. Quintero-Carmona, associate professor of biology, presented “Differential Dynamics of Cytoskeletal Motors, Their Adapters, and the Mitochondrial Outer Membrane” at the 68th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society. The talk showcased the research he completed in partnership with University of Richmond undergraduate students Lili Mitchell, ‘21, Kathryn Reda, ‘23, Hijab Fatima, ‘20, and Claudia E. Vasquez, ‘23.

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Dr. Amy Treonis
Treonis Published

Amy Treonis, associate professor of biology, published “Soil Nematode Communities Vary Among Populations of the Iconic Desert Plant, Welwitschia mirabilis” in Pedobiologia.

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Dr. Carrie Wu
Wu Published

Carrie Wu, associate professor of biology, published "Effects of Experimental Warming on Floral Scent, Display, and Rewards in Two Subalpine Herbs" in the journal Annals of Botany.    

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Dr. Carrie Wu
Wu Receives USDA Grant

Carrie Wu, associate professor of biology, has received a $258,715 grant from the USDA Department of Forestry to support collaborative research into the early detection and rapid response of invasive species in forest ecosystems.

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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

Department Chair: Peter Smallwood
Academic Administrative Specialist: Emily Phaup
Pre-Health and Integrative Science: Emily Phaup