News and Events – Page 2 – Department of Biology

Biology Alumna and Faculty Interviewed for Betta World for Bettas

September 23, 2025
animal welfare, Emily Murphy, interview, Ronald Olfield

Ron Oldfield, Senior Instructor in the biology department, and biology alumna and Dr. Oldfield's former student and co-author Emily Murphy were recently interviewed for YouTube channel Betta World for Bettas, discussing the 2024 study “Life in a Fishbowl: Space and environmental enrichment affect behaviour of Betta splendens.” They discuss...

Saliha Ahmad Publishes Work on the Protective Benefits of Fungal Communities Against Root Rot Disease in Plants.

September 9, 2025
publication, Saliha Ahmad

Phytophthora cinnamomi causes root rot in Rhododendron species, and it is crucial to study beneficial fungal species in the soil that can combat disease. PhD Student Saliha Ahmad worked on the soil fungal communities involved in suppression of the disease and the enhancement of plant survival. She found a...

Karen Abbott Receives NSF Award for Promoting US-Japan Collaboration

September 9, 2025
faculty awards, JSPS, Karen Abbott, NSF

Dr. Karen Abbott was awarded joint NSF-JSPS funding to spend 2 months at the University of Tokyo in 2026. The award is part of a pilot program to enhance US-Japan collaborations in math and related areas of study. Congratulations Karen!

Graduate Welcome 2025!

August 28, 2025
graduate student, orientation week, welcome luncheon

Biology kicked off the 2025-2026 Academic Year by hosting our annual Graduate Welcome Luncheon on Thursday, August 21. Graduate students, staff, and faculty had the chance to meet and mingle in between training, meetings, and planning for the year. Department Chair Dr. Michael Benard gave a few remarks, touching...

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