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IN THE NEWS
Three Biology Faculty Receive Funding from the WoodNext Foundation
Dr. Deborah Bell-Pedersen, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for Biological Clocks Research, received a continuing award of $545,000 for her research project titled Circadian clock-based treatments for jet lag and aging. Assistant Professor Dr. Matt Moulton, and Professor and Head of Biology Dr. Alex Keene received $200,000 for their project titled Functional Assessment of Dementia Risk Genes and Pharmacological Interventions. Please read the article for more information on the projects and the WoodNext Foundation!
Dr. Susan C. Alberts Joins TAMU Biology as Hagler Fellow
The Texas A&M University Department of Biology is thrilled to announce that Dr. Susan Alberts will be joining our ranks as a Hagler Fellow starting in Fall 2024. Dr. Alberts, the Robert F. Durden Distinguished Professor of Biology and the Dean of Natural Sciences at Duke University, will be bringing to the department her passion for understanding how and why animal behaviors evolve. Take a moment to read about Dr. Alberts and our department!
Three Texas A&M Biologists Receive Coveted MIRA Research Grants
For the second consecutive year, three faculty members in the Department of Biology have received National Institutes of Health Maximizing Investigators’ Research Awards (MIRA) recognizing their sustained research potential in bacterial and applied phage biology, neurobiology, and behavioral and evolutionary biology. Please take a look at Drs. Koch, Moran, and Ramsey’s research!
The Truth and Beauty of Science: Guiding Students and Advancing Discovery
Dr. Richard Gomer’s impact extends beyond his groundbreaking research; he is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students at Texas A&M University. Known for his innovative approach to education, Dr. Gomer integrates essential life skills into his curriculum, including ethics, stress management, and effective communication. His unique “Jedi mind tricks” equip students with practical tools like cognitive therapy and negotiation strategies, helping them navigate both academic and personal challenges. Through his dedication to holistic education, Dr. Gomer inspires and prepares the next generation of scientists and leaders to excel in all aspects of life.
Dr. Deborah Bell-Pedersen Elected as Academy Governor by the American Society for Microbiology
Texas A&M Biology is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Deborah Bell-Pedersen as an Academy Governor for The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) , effective July 1st. Dr. Bell-Pedersen, a distinguished professor in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University (TAMU), will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the Academy.
Texas A&M Biology Shines at Darwin Day Outreach Event
On February 28, Texas A&M’s Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) program hosted its annual Darwin Day outreach event, drawing an impressive crowd of 1,500 visitors from across Bryan-College Station. This year’s event was one of the largest yet, featuring 56 booths representing research labs, student organizations, and community partners, all focused on sharing the excitement of evolution, genetics, and the biological sciences with the public. Labs across the Biology Department developed activities, including hands-on experiments, live organisms, and interactive displays that introduced visitors to key evolutionary biology, genetics, and biodiversity concepts!
RESEARCH
Basic biological research has evolved into a broad, fast-paced and dynamic profession that drives newly emerging industries and actively shapes many human endeavors. Both globally and locally, cutting-edge research at Texas A&M University strives to understand the fundamental processes driving life around us and to improve the ways people everywhere manage their health and the health of our planet. The Department of Biology is responsible for research and teaching within the vast disciplines of the biological sciences, from molecular cell biology to ecology and evolutionary biology. Our faculty perform cutting-edge research in a wide array of biological sciences in the laboratory and in the field.
GRADUATE DEGREES
Our Graduate Program in Biology offers a diverse range of integrative training opportunities for students seeking a Ph.D. degree in the biological sciences. We offer training in multiple disciplines within Biology, including Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Neurobiology and Behavior, Microbiology, Plant Biology, Biological Clocks, Mechanisms of Biological Resilience, and Physiology and Systems Biology. Our graduate students conduct creative, independent research and scholarship. Graduates of our programs prepare themselves for a wide range of career opportunities and gain positions in academic institutions, government agencies, and industry.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
The Department of Biology is responsible for introducing biological principles to students in every Texas A&M University major. We provide modern and comprehensive B.S. and B.A. curricula in Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology, Microbiology, Neuroscience, and Zoology for more than 1500 undergraduate biology majors. These degrees prepare students for various life science careers and are an excellent entrée to the health care professions. If you are interested in pursuing a major in one of our disciplines, or if you are currently a student and would like information on courses or the program, we have excellent undergraduate advisors who will be happy to help you.