Welcome to the Department of Biological Sciences!

The teaching and research mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary biology at multiple levels, from molecules and cells, to organisms and entire ecosystems.

News and Events

Teaching Assistants needed for fall semester

Get all the information here.

2025 Summer Research Opportunity in Biological Sciences

Find all of the information and application here.

Internships and Summer Research Program Resources

Interested in learning more about Internships and Summer Research programs happening across the country? Check here for our new Summer research program resource page. 

Research Opportunities for Undergraduates

Are you an undergraduate interested in getting involved with research? Check here to find out which professors currently have openings for undergraduates.

Recent extramural awards

  • Department of Biological Sciences Faculty are top performers in obtaining extramural funds. Awards in fiscal year '23 exceed $8 million.
  • Dr. Deanna Arble, assistant professor, has received a CAREER grant from the National Science Foundation with an expected value of $1.37 million to study how light affects breathing and the maintenance of blood oxygen levels.

Undergraduate Student Achievements

Natalia Beans has received a prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, which seeks to identify, encourage and financially support students in STEM fields. The only other Goldwater scholarship winner in Marquette's history was biochemistry major Judd Hultquist in 2007   

 

Faculty Kudos

Department of Biological Sciences was recently recognized for excellence in faculty research and undergraduate experience.

Dr. Lisa Petrella is a 2025 recipient of a John P. Raynor Teaching Excellence Award, the university's highest teaching honor. 

A newly discovered species of dwarf gecko called Lygodactylus gamblei has been named after associate professor Dr. Tony Gamble to recognize his significant contributions to the evolutionary biology of geckos. 

Graduate Student Achievements

  • Claire Radtke won first place in the BioForward Communication competition in Madison
  • Kristen Quaglia received runner up and people's choice award in the three-minute thesis competition. 
  • Casey Lambert and Sumaiya Chowdhury received 2nd and 3rd place in the graduate poster session.

2025-26
Arthur J. Schmitt Leadership Fellowship: Kristen Quaglia (declined in favor of an MU fellowship)

Richard W. Jobling Distinguished Research Assistantship: Ellie Marino

MU Fellowship award winners: Ellie Marino (declined in favor of the Jobling fellowship), Marisa Allen, Nneamaka Uba, Rita Okeke (declined in favor of the RST fellowship), Ruric Bowman, Kristen Quaglia