Department of Biology
Introduction
Biology is the study of life from both basic and applied perspectives across a broad range of analytical levels, from the molecule and cell to the organism and ecosystem. The major in biology provides a broad education directed toward an appreciation of the complexity of nature, and prepares students for careers in the biological, environmental, and medical sciences. The B.S. and B.A. majors in biology prepare students for careers in the health professions (including medical, dental, and veterinary) and in research or teaching in institutions of higher education, government, and private industry. Departmental majors gain a firm foundation in essential areas of biology through the core curriculum and have ample choices for study in various specialized subjects. A quantitative biology track in the B.S. major provides training in interdisciplinary computational approaches to studying biological questions. The department offers many opportunities for mentored undergraduate research and internships.
Advising
The biology department offers intensive advising services for our undergraduate students. The departmental advisor, Dr. Gidi Shemer (213A Coker Hall), will be happy to assist with course planning, career development, finding research opportunities, and any other question or concern with regards to the major. Biology majors interested in study abroad should contact Dr. Elaine Yeh to learn about opportunities and transfer credits. For general assistance with registration in courses and various forms, please contact the biology undergraduate student services registrar, Ms. Summer Montgomery in 213 Coker Hall.
Facilities
The Department of Biology occupies parts of four buildings: Wilson Hall and its annex, Coker Hall, Fordham Hall, and the Genome Sciences Building. The department is served by the Kenan Science Library, located in Venable Hall, which provides research information services and resources for the basic sciences. In addition, the department has greenhouses on the fifth floor of the Genome Sciences Building, a microscopy facility that contains multiple confocal microscopes and associated support facilities, a P3 laboratory, animal care facilities, insect culturing rooms, and marine aquaria.
Graduate School and Career Opportunities
Those who plan careers in health sciences, including dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, and others, should consult with advisors in the Health Professions Advising Office in Steele Building. Special courses in marine science are offered through the Department of Biology and the Department of Earth, Marine, and Environmental Sciences at the Institute of Marine Sciences, Morehead City, NC.
Professors
Shawn Ahmed, Albert S. Baldwin Jr., Victoria L. Bautch, Kerry S. Bloom, John F. Bruno, Christina L. Burch, Sabrina E. Burmeister, Frank L. Conlon, Gregory P. Copenhaver, Jeffrey L. Dangl, Robert J. Duronio, Terrence S. Furey, Patricia G. Gensel, Robert P. Goldstein, Tyson L. Hedrick, Allen H. Hurlbert, Corbin D. Jones, Joseph J. Kieber, Joel G. Kingsolver, Alain Laederach, Kenneth J. Lohmann, Amy S. Maddox, A. Gregory Matera, Ann G. Matthysse, Daniel R. Matute, Charles E. Mitchell, Mark A. Peifer, David W. Pfennig, Karin S. Pfennig, Jason W. Reed, Jeff J. Sekelsky, Maria R. Servedio.
Associate Professors
Jill Dowen, Toshihide Hige, Paul S. Maddox, Daniel J. McKay, Sophie McCoy, Zachary Nimchuk, Stephen L. Rogers, Celia Shiau, Kevin C. Slep, Keith W. Sockman, Todd J. Vision.
Assistant Professors
Jiakun Chen, Rob Dowen, Xiao Feng, Kacy Gordon, Parul Johri, Benjamin Parker, Eric Riddell, En Yang, Senay Yitbarek.
Teaching Professors
Corey S. Johnson, Gidi Shemer.
Teaching Associate Professors
Mara Evans, Catherine M. F. Lohmann.
Teaching Assistant Professors
Jordan Claytor, Alaina Garland, Eric Hastie, Laura Ott, Lillian Zwemer.
Affiliated Faculty
Joerg Bauer, James Costa, Stephen T. Crews, Jean DeSaix, Joel Fodrie, Paul Gabrielson, Amy Gladfelter, Kelly Hogan, Julie Horvath, William F. Marzluff, Joseph Ruiz, John Salmeron, Aziz Sancar, Alecia Septer, Barbara D. Stegenga, Bryan Stuart, Brian Taylor, Damon Waitt, Alan S. Weakley, Scott E. Williams.
Research Faculty
Alan M. Jones, Punita Nagpal, Robert K. Peet, Nathanael Prunet, Darrel W. Stafford, Jianke Tie, Michael Werner, Christopher S. Willett, Elaine Y. Yeh.
Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador Affiliated Faculty
Paul Cardenas, Jaime Chaves, Juan Guayasamin, Alex Hearn, Antonio Leon-Reyes, Maria de Lourdes Torres.
Professors Emeriti
Aristotle Domnas, J. Alan Feduccia, Sarah R. Grant, William M. Kier, Gustavo P. Maroni, Steven W. Matson, Edward D. Salmon, Lillie L. Searles, Alan E. Stiven, Peter S. White, R. Haven Wiley.
