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Biology Newsletter

Messages from the Chairs

"I anticipate a successful year with a drive to increase research funding, the exciting offerings available through our spring Semester of Immersion program, and a return to in-person graduate student recruitment and visits," Professor and Chair Brad Barbazuk writes.

New Faculty

We are excited to introduce two new faculty members to our department.

Retiring Faculty

We offer our most sincere thanks to three retiring faculty.

Returning to In-Person Teaching and Research

Most UF classes returned to in-person teaching in fall 2021, and COVID-related restrictions on research activities were lifted. Here are a few snapshots of research and teaching experiences from summer and fall 2021.

Immersion Courses

Every other spring, students have the opportunity to engage in authentic research-based learning in various areas of biology.

Undergraduate Achievements

Biology undergraduates achieved great things this year, despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Undergraduate Researchers Take the Digital Stage

The Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program (URAP) research symposium showcases the research of Biology undergraduates.

Teaching Innovations During the Pandemic

Three undergraduate Biology classes illustrate the variety of ways that the department overcame challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduate Students Win National Awards

Biology graduate students won national awards and external grants to support their research.

Steve Cassidy

Adjusting to Graduate School in a Pandemic

Beginning graduate studies can prove challenging, even under the best of circumstances. The rise of COVID-19 was an unexpected wrench in the academic plans of many graduate students.

SYMBIOSIS

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE UF recently launched a campaign to become a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) research and teaching. Learn about some of the AI projects already underway in the Biology Department. AI and Stress Behavior Does stress sometimes make you want to crawl into bed and hide under the covers? You’re not alone. In many […]

UF Biology Supports Racial Justice

“The Department of Biology unequivocally stands against white supremacy in every form," Professor and Chair Marta Wayne said.

Professor Betty Smocovitis Teaches Lessons from History on Disease Pandemics

COVID-19 has drawn attention to the importance of the historical record of infectious disease and the importance of cultural practices.

Graduate Student Maria Cortez Uses Museum Collections to Fight COVID-19

The new initiative ViralMuse aims to bridge the gap between public health and natural history collections.

Tom Hladish Advises Florida Department of Health on COVID-19

Dr. Hladish developed statistical forecasting models to help DOH plan for healthcare needs.

The Cummings Lab Assists with COVID-19 Response

Dr. Derek Cummings and his lab's students and postdoctoral researchers are having an impact at both local and international levels.

Teaching During the Pandemic: Stefanie Gazda Leads the Way

The Department of Biology transitioned all undergraduate classes to online learning by mid-March.

Biology Faculty Fight Pandemic in Latin America

Biology professors José Miguel Ponciano and Ana Longo used their expertise in disease dynamics to educate audiences in Latin America.

Biology Professor Nick Keiser Debunks COVID-19 Misinformation

Assistant professor Nick Keiser has found a novel audience for his infectious disease knowledge: the heavy-metal music community.

Biology Lecturer is UF Adviser of the Year!

Dr. Teresa Mutahi has won the university’s highest honor for undergraduate advising.