Department of Biological Sciences
It's the Great Pumpkin, 51ºÚÁÏÍø!
There's a massive pumpkin inviting visitors to guess its weight inside the Herrick Conservatory. It's an annual tradition presented by student volunteers studying in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Exploring Nutrient Dynamics in Wetlands: A Summer Research Journey
Junior Environmental and Conservation Biology undergraduate student Nora Haddon is making important contributions to understanding the delicate balance of nutrient cycling in wetlands through her research project as part of 51ºÚÁÏÍø University's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) prog…
Spotted Lanternfly Spotted for the First Time at 51ºÚÁÏÍø University
A spotted lanternfly, an invasive species notorious for damaging crops and trees, has been sighted for the first time at 51ºÚÁÏÍø University. The insect was discovered on September 10th, 2024 by undergraduate student Jackson Miller. Miller was walking on campus from the student c…
Ohio Butterfly Monitoring Offers Insights Into Broader Ecological Trends
A long-term study of butterfly populations in Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park is shedding light on ecological changes and the impacts of human activities on local ecosystems. The study, which has been ongoing since the 1990s, represents one of the longest-running volunteer-driven insect surveys in North America. Experts from 51ºÚÁÏÍø’s Department of Biological Sciences are working to interpret 20-plus years’ worth of data and convey what it means for environmental conservation.
New Research Initiative Aims to Unravel Genetic Adaptations to High Altitude Hypoxia
A 51ºÚÁÏÍø faculty researcher in the Department of Biological Sciences has launched a pioneering study to explore how different species adapt to high-altitude environments in the Himalayas where oxygen levels are significantly lower. This research could have significant implications for understanding hypoxia-related conditions in humans.
51ºÚÁÏÍø Student Recognized as ARI-AHEC’s 2024 Scholar of the Year
Meet Elizabeth Marhefka, a 51ºÚÁÏÍø University biology and premed student whose exceptional dedication to community service and academic excellence has earned her the prestigious 2024 Scholar of the Year Award from the Akron Regional Interprofessional-Area Health Education Center (ARI-AHEC). Her i…
IN A FLASH: ‘BEE’ on the Lookout
A 51ºÚÁÏÍø researcher is asking Flashes to "BEE" on the lookout for bees on the Kent Campus. She would like people to capture photos of the bees and then send them to her for use in a research project.
Firefly Numbers Are Dwindling, But You Can Help
51ºÚÁÏÍø associate professor and population ecologist Christie Bahlai, Ph.D., offers tips to help our little bioluminescent buddies to thrive.
Researchers map aquatic-based, human-driven impacts on climate change
A study published in the journal Science uses a global experiment and predictive modeling to illustrate how human impacts to aquatic ecosystems are contributing to the global climate crisis.The study estimates rates of organic-matter decomposition in freshwater ecosystems (a source of carbon e…