Department of Biology Resources + Information: biology.colostate.edu/resources-guidelines/

Events, Dates, + Deadlines: biology.colostate.edu/dates-deadlines/

Main Office Contact Information: Monday – Friday | 7:30am – 4:30pm | CNS-Bio_Info@colostate.edu | 970-491-7011

Spring 2025 Office Hours: January 21st – May 16th | Monday – Friday | 8:30am – 4:00pm

ASC Drop-In Hours:

January 21st – May 16th | Monday – Friday | 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Extended Drop-In Hours: January 21st – 24th| Tuesday – Friday | 9:00am – 11:00am & 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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Tanya Dewey, an Assistant Professor in Biology, leads new research on white-nose syndrome in bats.
White-nose syndrome affects fat storage and contributes to loss of nutrients which leads to disruptions in bat hibernation patterns. Dewey's research reveals the highly infectious disease may cause population decline in Colorado bats. DNA analyses hold hope for the population and will help scientists predict how white-nose syndrome may spread through Colorado bat populations and where to target efforts to protect them.
Research Scientist, Anping Chen, collaborates on several papers contributing to the global study of soil carbon levels & climate change.
In partnership with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Chen's work highlights a new report which shows the amount of inorganic carbon in soil may be under-accounted for in global climate models. In his papers, Chen delves into the complexities of this mineral-based carbon storage and investigates its role in carbon dioxide sequestration and emissions, along with examining the impact of lost carbon which could potentially exacerbate climate change.
Dr. Joe von Fischer discusses why methane, the greenhouse gas to beat, is the key to addressing climate change.
In this podcast, Dr. Fischer talks about how methane compares to the more notorious carbon dioxide, his research into ways we can better measure methane emissions, and why measuring and reducing methane is a critical opportunity in the climate fight. Learn more: col.st/oEu9z
Dr. Shane Kanatous named one of CSU's Best Teachers of 2024.
“Dr. Kanatous always encourages you to ask questions, and he encourages you to push through your comfort zone because he wants you to grow and become the best version of yourself. Volunteering in his lab has given me more confidence to accept challenges and grow as a researcher.” – Catalina Mazariegos, senior (’24)
Honoring Dr. Diana H. Wall Monday, May 6, from 5-7 p.m. in the Never No Summer Ballroom at the Lory Student Center for the campus community.
A Celebration of Life will be held for the groundbreaking soil ecologist who was one of the world’s most internationally respected environmental scientists and inaugural director of CSU’s School of Global Environmental Sustainability, and a beloved member of the Biology Department.
Dr. Melinda Smith leads CSU ecologists launch study on droughts, deluges and carbon cycles in grasslands.
A $1 million DOE-funded study will combine field experiments and computer modeling to assess how extreme weather patterns brought on by climate change impact grasslands.

Welcome to the Department of Biology at Colorado State University. Our internationally-recognized research and education programs focus on organisms, diving into mechanistic detail about how they work, or stepping back to consider how they interact with each other and with their environment.  From cells to the biosphere, we make discoveries about fundamental questions in Biology, and we use this new knowledge to make the world a better place.  CSU Biology is a place where everyone is welcome to indulge their curiosity about the living world.

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Rams Support Rams

Congrats Grads!

The official commencement website has everything graduating students and their guests need to know about Spring 2025 commencement at Colorado State University. Below are details about the unique experience and traditions that graduates will have as part of our [college/unit’s] recognition ceremony.

There are two events for graduates to attend: the University-wide Commencement from 4:30-6 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 at Canvas Stadium, and a recognition ceremony grouped by academic unit. Please make a note of these dates as you make your commencement plans.

Please visit the commencement website for full details including:

Rams Rise Day of Giving

Rams know there’s power in numbers. On our own, we’re powerful. But together? We’re unstoppable.

Rams Rise is a movement. It’s about raising your hand, and recognizing thousands of others who are doing the same. It shows students that we believe in them: in their dreams, in their ambitions, in their success.

Day of Giving at CSU is special because it touches every part of the student experience. You can support programs of study where students learn. You can strengthen the communities where they find belonging. You can invest in the places where they compete toward athletic excellence. You can expand access and opportunity through scholarships. You can fund basic needs for students who need it most.

This year, in honor of CSU’s founding year, we’re asking 1,870 donors to give what they can, where they care. Today’s Rams stand on decades of traditions and the hundreds of thousands of Rams who have come before them. Through your support, they can stand even taller.

When we get together – and give together – Rams Rise.

Donate today at Colorado State University | Rams Rise 2025!

"Giving Tuesday"

Give to Your Passions at CSU!

Every Giving Tuesday, Rams rally together to fight food insecurity in our community. By giving to the Rams Against Hunger meal swipe program, you ensure that CSU students are not just surviving – they’re thriving.

Last year, the collective generosity of more than 1,000 donors provided over 10,000 nourishing meals to students in need. This Dec. 3, let’s make it 12,000!

The reality is, 1 in 3 CSU students experiences food insecurity. While anyone can experience it, everyone can fight it. Through food pantries, community programming, and more, Rams Against Hunger meets students where they are to ensure their basic needs are met. With your support, Rams Against Hunger can meet students in the dining hall by providing RamCard meal swipes to the students who need them most.

Thriving means feeding my brain to fuel my success.

Thriving means preparing for my future.

Thriving means paying it forward.

What does thriving mean to you? Any student can answer, but they can only do so when their basic needs are met. When you give what you can on Giving Tuesday, you help students answer in inspiring, powerful ways.

Gifts of every size make a difference. $10 provides one meal swipe, $140 fills a RamCard for a week, and $570 supports a student with nourishing meals for a whole semester. Join in, and help Rams thrive!

Video Credits

 Videography: CSU University Advancement Engagement | YouTube: col.st/llqTe

Student Highlights

A Day in the Life of Biology Student An-Ping Yu

Marissa Martinez’s stay-curious energy earned her a feature in @natgeotv’s new show, “Science Fair: The Series,” and propelled her all the way to the International Science and Engineering Fair, securing her a full-ride scholarship through the @boettcherfdn to study biology right here at @CSUNaturalSciences 📚🥼

Catch #ScienceFairTheSeries on @hulu and @disneyplus, out now 📺 👀

The trailerThe storyThe feature

Marissa Martinez - NatGeo's "Science Fair: The Series"

“Biology graduate student promotes importance of self in lab”

by Allie Ruckman, featuring Mel Morado

“Recognizing and addressing oppression in the sciences”

by Allie Ruckman, featuring Marina Rodriguez, Amir Alayoubi and Beth Wittmann

“Q&A with Boettcher Scholar and International Science and Engineering Fair participant”

by Allie Ruckman, featuring Marissa Martinez

“Amphibian Week Highlights Critical Conservation Research at CSU”

by Elizabeth Rylance, featuring grad student, Katherine Stroh, & Biology professors, Chris Funk, and Rachel Mueller

Program Highlights

The Department of Biology houses the Biology Teaching Collections. The program maintains a large collection of specimens that we use in our classes. There are over 13,000 specimens, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, representatives of most invertebrate groups, and plants of all kinds. This collection has been an important part of instruction for the past century and is being reorganized to help better serve this purpose through volunteers.

Interested in volunteering or seeing the collections? Contact Tanya Dewey (tdewey@rams.colostate.edu) or Jennifer Brady (jbrady94@rams.colostate.edu) for more information on getting involved. This program showcases the amazing volunteers, graduate students and professors who are part of keeping this collection thriving. Joining as a volunteer includes learning what we do to keep this place running while also discussing what the collections are all about.

Watch this video to learn more about our Teaching Collections!

Video Credits

Music: Summer Somewhere In Cuba | Artist: Cumbia Deli | Videography: CSU Natural Sciences | YouTube: col.st/Ywk5i

Class Highlights

Course Snapshots

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems: This course is an introductory biology course that works well for both incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors. It not only provides a basis for more-advanced courses in life sciences, but also serves as an effective review for more-advanced students.

BZ223 – Plant Identification: With the ecological and environmental issues we are facing as a society, plant Identification skills are more important than ever. Learn how to identify flowering plants in a way that will serve you no matter where you live/work in the future!

BZ300 – Animal Behavior: For anyone interested in understanding how and why animals do what they do!

BZ311 – Developmental Biology: The details of life are important. Join us in developmental biology, where we discuss how organisms form.

BZ339 Section 001 – Field Methods in Grassland Ecosystem Ecology: Develop field skills used in research on challenges facing grassland ecosystems in this intensive summer course. You will come away with perspectives on the structure of research and the process of collecting data in the field.

BZ339 Section 002 – Methods in Habitat and Species Diversity Assessment: This course will explore the diverse field methods of assessing habitat types and species diversity by combining classroom learning and practical applications of field research in the great outdoors. Students will apply these techniques at designated field sites in and around Fort Collins, where they will evaluate habitat characteristics and the associated flora and fauna. Additionally, students will develop their own research proposals, drawing from their field experiences to design meaningful ecological studies. This course offers a rigorous yet engaging introduction to the many ways scientists observe and conduct research on animals and plants in their natural environments.

BZ350-801 – Molecular & General Genetics: Because this course is online and asynchronous, it is a great option for students who have a summer job or internship and can’t take an in person class.

Course Snapshots

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems: This course is an introductory biology course that works well for both incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors. It not only provides a basis for more-advanced courses in life sciences, but also serves as an effective review for more-advanced students.

BZ223 – Plant Identification: With the ecological and environmental issues we are facing as a society, plant Identification skills are more important than ever. Learn how to identify flowering plants in a way that will serve you no matter where you live/work in the future!

BZ300 – Animal Behavior: For anyone interested in understanding how and why animals do what they do!

BZ572 – Phytoremediation: Our planet faces numerous environmental risks stemming from industrial development, including mining, gas emissions, chemical fertilizers, pesticide applications, and municipal waste generation. The accumulation of these contaminants in soil, water, and air harms plants, animals, humans, and the environment. Various strategies, such as chemical-based, physicochemical, and biological methods, have been employed to remediate these pollutants. Among these, the biological methods, especially phytoremediation, are the most accepted strategy because they are energy efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly. It is important to understand the sources of different pollutants and how we can reduce their accumulation at both the generation and decontamination levels. In this course, we will cover the different types of pollutants and their sources, the various strategies to remediate them, and the pros and cons of each approach with emphasis on bioremediation. This limited seats, 3-credit course will provide each student with the opportunity to practice searching databases, preparing reports or reviews, creating presentations, presenting to a group, and participating in scientific discussions in addition to acquiring knowledge about the course subject. Graduate and undergraduate students from biology, horticulture, soil and crop science, forestry, ecology, chemistry, and engineering will benefit from this course.

Course Snapshots

LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems: This course is an introductory biology course that works well for both incoming Freshmen and outgoing Seniors. It not only provides a basis for more-advanced courses in life sciences, but also serves as an effective review for more-advanced students.

BZ320 – Biogeographic Approaches to Conservation: This is an opportunity to learn about the dynamic field of conservation biogeography!

BZ415 – Marine Biology: This course explores marine life from the microscopic single cell organisms to the largest whales and describes how they are all connected.

BZ440 – Plant Physiology: Who is this course for?

  • Students who are interested in understanding various facets of plant functions at cellular, organellar and whole plant level during its life time.
  • Students who also want to learn various physiological aspects at the molecular level and how these processes regulate the plants response to changing environment conditions which in turn influences their growth and productivity.
  • The main target groups are upper-division undergraduate students with backgrounds/career interests in Biology, Horticulture, Soil and Crop Science, Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, and related areas. Graduate students conducting research in similar fields are also welcome.
  • Those students who want to pursue plant research related jobs in private sector, federal and state institutions are encouraged to enroll as this course fulfils their basic requirements.

BZ460 – Genome Evolution: For upper-level undergraduates interested in the synthesis and evolutionary biology and molecular biology.

Our Education Abroad programs are as diverse as they are enticing! Check out our programs and learn more about these incredible opportunities here: CSU | Education Abroad | Recommended CNS Programs Abroad

Learn more about CSU’s Education Abroad Programs here: CSU | Education Abroad

Speak with an advisor to see if these programs are right for you!: CSU | Biology | Advising

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Behavior and Biology of African Mammals in Kenya: Summer Break – APPLY
  • Early Deadline: December 1st
  • Final Deadline: February 15th
Dolphin Behavior & Physiology in Honduras: Winter & Summer Break – APPLY
  • Winter 2025
    • Priority Deadline: May 1st
    • Final Deadline: September 15th
  • Summer 2025
    • Priority Deadline: December 1st
    • Final Deadline: March 30th
Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation of Biodiversity in Ecuador: Winter Break – APPLY
  • Priority Deadline: May 1st
  • Final Deadline: September 15th
Field Biology & Behavior of Primates in Madagascar: Summer Break – APPLY
  • Priority Deadline: December 1st
  • Final Deadline: March 23rd
First Year Seminar Abroad: Biology in Australia: August – APPLY
  • Priority Deadline: April 15th
  • Final Deadline: May 6th
Marine Biology in Mexico: Fall Break – APPLY
  • Early Deadline: March 1st
  • Final Deadline: April 15th

Field Mammalogy (BZ 340)

A successful specimen prep day! These ground squirrels are ready to be used for instruction in BZ330: Mammalogy. Keep an eye out for these specimens in our teaching collection.

Learn more about specimen prep here: YouTube | Museum Prep 101

Warning: The linked video explains the process of preparing museum specimens. The content may be considered graphic by some.

“Pursuing new educational frontiers” – by Allie Ruckman, Elements

A brand-new course in the Department of Biology, Behavior and Biology of African Mammals, brought 16 students to Kenya summer 2023 to practice fieldwork and observational skills in an environment very unlike that of Northern Colorado.

News

Research contrasts drought sensitivity of Eurasian and North American grasslands

Grasslands in Asia and North America differ in their responses to drought, according to a paper in the journal Nature led by faculty at Colorado State University. The findings show that differences in the dominant grasses and lower species diversity in the Eurasian Steppe grasslands may make it more vulnerable to drought than the North American Great Plains.

Diana Wall’s legacy of supporting students lives on through $2.5 million gift

True to her nature, Wall left behind a planned gift to CSU: $2.5 million to endow the Sustainability Leadership Fellows Program within the School of Global Environmental Sustainability and the Graduate Fellowship Program in Ecology within the College of Natural Sciences’ Department of Biology.

Embrace Confusion, Reduce Ignorance: Meena Balgopal Meeting the Dalai Lama

Biology Professor Meena Balgopal met the Dalai Lama to share her science pedagogy book and came back with a fresh perspective on teaching.

College of Natural Sciences Dean Nerger taking on new role in the CSU System

Professor Jacob Roberts, chair of the Department of Physics, has been named interim dean of the college.

Calendar

Features

Seminars

Find Us

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

Colorado State University
Biology Building, Room 111

1878 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523

Telephone: 970-491-7011
Fax: 970-491-0649
Email: CNS-Bio_Info@colostate.edu