Biology
Department News and Events
Our News
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Update on Snorkel the Tortoise
Snorkel the Sulcata Tortoise came to CWU in 2008 when he was the size of an orange and just a couple years old. Due to medical concerns--and with a heavy, yet hopeful heart--we sent Snorkel to Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary in Scottsdale, AZ in August, 2025. This move is his best shot for living a healthy and happy 60+ more years.
One year update:
Former Greenhouse Manager, Linnea Stavney, traveled to Arizona this summer to visit Snorkel and check up on his progress for us. She told us he is doing well! He has his own pen receiving special medical care and is healing well. They still call him Snorkel, and he’s a favorite out of the hundreds of Sulcatas there.
Follow us @cwu_greenhouse for more updates on Snorkel and our other animals!
One year after moving to Arizona, Linnea Stavney visits Snorkel there to check on his progress.
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Biology Professor, Dr. Blaise Dondji, Continues Mission to Support Healthcare in Cameroon
Central Washington University biology professor, Blaise Dondji, turned the loss of his mother into a lifelong mission by founding the Bawa Health Initiative, which has raised funds through community events like the Bawa Soccer Camp to build and sustain a health clinic in his hometown of Bawa, Cameroon. Since opening in 2017, the clinic has provided affordable healthcare to local residents, supported by generous donations and volunteers from the Ellensburg community.
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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.
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 1898CWU News
Summer CSA program provides fresh food, fresh opportunities to CWU community
September 9, 2026 by Tran Nha Pham
Work begins on new Flight Training Center Annex at Bowers Field
September 2, 2026 by David Leder
Questions? Contact Us.
Department of Biological Sciences
Science Building, Room 338
Dr. Clay Arango
(509) 963-3163
arangoc@cwu.edu