Biology
Department News and Events
Our News
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Snorkel the Tortoise Leaves CWU for Sunnier Clime
Snorkel the Sulcata Tortoise came to CWU in 2008 when he was the size of an orange and just a couple years old. With a heavy yet hopeful heart, we have decided to bring Snorkel to Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary in Scottsdale, AZ due to medical concerns. This move is his best shot for living a healthy and happy 60+ more years. After 3 days of travel, Snorkel arrived safely at the sanctuary on August 17th 2025. He is doing well, soaking up the Arizona sun and getting to know his new roommates.
Follow us @cwu_greenhouse for more updates on Snorkel and our other animals!
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Biology Alum, Bryan Plankenhorn, Wins Switzer Environmental Fellowship
Bryan Plankenhorn is a CWU undergraduate alum who majored in both Chemistry and Biology (Biomedical Specialization). Plankenhorn is currently a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, studying the drivers of harmful algal bloom. The Switzer Environmental Fellowship will help fund their doctoral research expenses, as well as provide leadership training and career-long networking opportunities with other past Switzer Fellows. A member of the Port Gamble S'Kallam tribe, Bryan's future goal is to return home to Washington to voice an indigenous perspective of marine resource management to future projects.
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Journal Article Published in Northwest Science by Biology Masters Alum, Zarah Dillon-Zuppelli
Dillon-Zuppelli ZS, Poulson ME, Graham EA. 2025. Demography and habitat associations of the basalt cactus: Pediocactus nigrispinus. Northwest Science 98(1):60-78
- Biology M.A. Alum, J Shah, Influences Regional Conservation Discussions with Microplastics Research
Events
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Darwin Day
The Department of Biological Sciences, in conjunction with the College of the Sciences, would like to invite all interested students, faculty, staff, administrators and community members to a celebration of the science and evolution and Darwin's contributions to our modern world.
Each year, the Department of Biological Sciences hosts an event (or more!) which occurs during the week of Darwin's birthday, February 12th. These events are free and open to the public.
Event topics, dates and times will be posted here when established. We hope you will join us!
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A Bite of Science Seminar Series
The Bite of Science is speaker series with tidbits of science and a serving of interesting information! Monthly (October to June), second Tuesday, 5:30pm, at The Ridge, 404 N. Pine St. Ellensburg.
A Bite of Science Seminars are sponsored by CWU College of the Sciences, the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Geography, and are hosted by The Ridge. We hope to provide a number of free presentations throughout the year on a wide swath of science-related topics, and we encourage students, CWU staff and community members to attend.
You can watch full length recordings of past science seminars hosted by CWU Biological Sciences on our YouTube Channel.
Upcoming Presentation:
Please join us on Tuesday, May 12th, 5:30pm at The Ridge (404 Pine St. Ellensburg) to hear from Dr. Jocelyn Akins, founder and executive director at Cascades Carnivore Project. Akins earned her PhD. at the University of California Davis studying the conservation genetics of the Cascade Red Fox. Dr. Akins' research is featured in the April / May 2026 issue of Smithsonian.
The seminar is titled “Mountain Carnivores in the Face of Climate Change.”
Connect With Us
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Social Media
Want to know more?
Subscribe to the Biology Department and Biology Greenhouse Instagram!
You can watch full length recordings of past science presentations on our YouTube Channel. -
Visit Us
Biology Greenhouse
We invite you to visit the CWU Greenhouse, open to the public most (non-holiday) Fridays from 1:00pm-3:00pm.Marshall W. Mayberry Arboretum
Did you know you can take a self-guided tour to learn more about the numerous trees surrounding the CWU Biology Greenhouse?
Biology Faculty Since 1898
Wondering whatever happened to your favorite professor?
Or are you just curious about where they went to school, or how long they taught at Central? Maybe you remember what they taught, but you can't quite recall their name? We've traced our faculty back to the very beginning up to the present day to help you remember.
CWU Biology Faculty Since 1898
CWU News
Senior BFA exhibition explores mental health, trans experience
May 13, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
Student filmmaker earning recognition on campus and in the film world
May 13, 2026 by David Leder
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Biological Sciences
Science Building, Room 338
Dr. Clay Arango
(509) 963-3163
arangoc@cwu.edu