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Biology undergraduate student Carl Cummins and Dr. Greg Turner presented “The status of Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) at the Gordon Natural Area” at the Saint Joseph’s University, 24th Annual Sigma Xi Student Research Symposium, April 19th in Philadelphia.

Dr. Steven L. Broitman, Chunlai Chen, Haibo Zhang, Michael Reiche, Ian Farrell, Barry S. Cooperman & Yale E Goldman had the following article published: "Dynamics of translation by single ribosomes through mRNA secondary structures." 2013. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology Advance Online Publication.

Biology Graduate student Veronica Pistoia and Dr. Jessica Schedlbauer presented "The water relations of roundleaf greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia L.) encroaching on serpentine barren ecosystems in southeastern Pennsylvania" and Biology undergraduate student Greg Barren and Dr. Schedlbauer presented "The effects of prescribed fires and environmental variation on soil respiration in the serpentine barrens of southeastern Pennsylvania" at the Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science in Bradford, PA on April 6, 2013.

Dr. Giovanni Casotti, Dr. John T. Beneski, and Dr. Maureen T. Knabb had the following article published: "Teaching physiology online: successful use of case studies in a graduate course." 2013. Advan. in Physiol. Edu. 37:65-69. doi:10.1152/advan.001159.2012

Dr. Frank Fish presented “Flow patterns associated with swimming motions of benthic and pelagic batoids as visualized with DPIV”  The paper was co-authored with Biology undergraduates Janet Fontanella and Nicole DiNenno, and graduate student Molly Gabler at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology in San Francisco, CA, on January 4, 2013. At the same meeting, Dr. Fish also co-authored the presentation “Mathematical analysis of three-dimensional open water maneuverability by mantas (Manta birostris)” with Dr. Allison Kolpas and undergraduate Alex Meade.

Biology graduate student Molly Gabler, Dr. John T. Beneski, Samantha Mulvany, Keith Moored, and Dr. Frank Fish presented “The hydrodynamics of ground effect in relation to the head shape of the spotted eagle ray”, at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology in San Francisco, CA, on January 4, 2013.

Kimberly Urban (M.S. Biology, 2007), successfully defended her Ph.D. Dissertation in Neuroscience at Drexel University.  Kim completed her Master’s thesis in biology at West Chester University under the supervision of Dr. Oné R. Pagán.

 Previous Biology Highlights (2012)

According to the AIBS website "Pursuing a career in biology can be immensely rewarding and exciting. Studying biology teaches us to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. They may study cells under a microscope, insects in a rainforest, viruses that affect human beings, plants in a greenhouse, or lions in the African grasslands. Their work increases our understanding about the natural world in which we live and helps us address issues of personal well being and worldwide concern, such as environmental depletion, threats to human health, and maintaining viable and abundant food supplies."

For more information visit the AIBS web site to learn about career opportunities, preparation, schools, job outlook, salaries, and much more!

The B.S. BIOLOGY: MARINE SCIENCE concentration provides the opportunity for interested students to obtain a strong educational background in marine biology and other topics in a field that stretches from marine organisms to biotechnology and even oceanography interests from the coastal waters to deep oceans.

The required core curriculum and electives will allow students the opportunity to draw on educational resources at West Chester University and Marine Field stations, such as the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium, VA.

Course work emphasizes techniques in biological sciences, oceanography, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Field and laboratory courses form a strong foundation of this program and students are encouraged to engage in directed research projects or internships.

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The Department of Biology is featured prominently in WCU's new recruitment campaign!

On 12 February scientist around the world celebrate the birthday of Charles Darwin. Although Darwin's elegant theory of Organic Evolution can be summarized rather simply, it is arguably the most profound tenet of modern biology. Organic Evolution provides a solid, unifying framework for modern biology as well as a unifying thread for continued investigation.

The anniversary of Darwin's birth (February 12, 1809) is widely celebrated as Darwin Day throughout the scientific community. The special significance of Darwin Day has spawned numerous activities and special events throughout the world.

Darwin's book "On the Origin of Species" (first published 24 November 1859) is a seminal scientific publication and a landmark event in evolutionary biology.  In it, Darwin introduced the theory that populations change over time through the process of natural selection. Darwin's book provides evidence that the diversity of life arose through a branching pattern of evolution and common descent.

....the Card....the Publications....the Dangerous Idea