Biology Department

back row: Bob Morris, Bestey Dyer, Scott Shumway, Shawn McCafferty
front row: John Kricher, Deb Cato, Jane Young, Barbara Brennessel, Erin Post, Ed Tong, Shari Morris

Students interested in the Biological Sciences may choose to major in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or Psychobiology. The interests of the biology faculty span a wide range of sub disciplines within the field including biochemistry, botany, conservation biology, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, invertebrate zoology, marine biology, molecular biology, ornithology, parasitology, physiology, and symbiosis.

The biology department prides itself on involving undergraduates in scientific research either through investigative laboratory activities, independent research projects as part of 200 or 300-level courses, independent research in a faculty member's research laboratory, or senior honors thesis projects. After Wheaton many graduates enroll in Masters or Ph.D. programs or go to medical, dental, optometry, or veterinary school. Graduates pursue careers in such fields as biotechnology, conservation biology, environmental education, and medicine.

Professor Shumway publishes the ultimate guide to the diverse eco-systems of the Atlantic Coast from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras.
Bio-Stats-CompSci faculty suggest evidence for convergent evolution
Professor Scott Shumway and his students share their experiences and comments of their joint studies in the rain forests and ocean dives.
Professor Tong completes the link between the textbook and the person
Professor Morris leads Wheaton contribution to Sea Urchin Genome Sequencing Project
Dr. Barbara Brennessel publishes her new book on Terrapin Turtles
Dr. John Kricher urges serious students of natural history that a visit to the Galápagos is a must.
Dr. Betsey Dyer's Field Guide: a call to experience the world as bacteria exerience it.