Message from our Chair

Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences!

We are a community of faculty, students and staff committed to understanding the natural world through research on molecular and genetic interactions in the cell to the evolution of ecosystems. Our graduate students are immersed in the process of scientific discovery in a supportive environment that challenges them to reach for high achievement as they develop into the next generation of scientific leaders, scholars and educators. The diversity of scientific interests within our department provides a wealth of options from which graduate students can select a topic area for their dissertation research.

Undergraduate education is another high priority. Our faculty seek to engage students in the classroom in ways that develop an in depth understanding of biological processes and systems relevant to the environment, global issues and medicine. Undergraduates at all levels can participate in original research projects in faculty laboratories, while advanced students can experience teaching and mentoring in a formal course setting or laboratory. We are privileged to offer highly effective outreach programs that involve local K-12 students in scientific discovery in ways that inspire and captivate the imagination. We also offer professional enrichment opportunities for teachers to invigorate and modernize their training. These efforts will help bridge the gap to scientific literacy and provide a pipeline to careers in biological and medical sciences for interested youth in western Pennsylvania.

I encourage you to explore this website to learn more about our Department!

Dr. Paula Grabowski
Professor & Chair
Department of Biological Sciences