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 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.
Please join us on Tuesday, June 9th, 5:30pm to hear from Dr. Joshua Kirk, DMD, local dentist and owner of Mountain View Dental Ellensburg. He is a CWU alumnus and graduated from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona. He was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry after years of additional education and extensive testing.
The seminar is titled “A Bite of Dental Chemistry.”
There is no shortage of information barraging us each day when it comes to our health. Join Dr. Kirk in a seminar about the science of dentistry and, more broadly, how to think scientifically as we receive information that impacts our health decisions.
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
Douglas Honors College at CWU to celebrate 50 years (part 1)
July 15, 2026 by Tran Nha Pham
National endorsement raises profile of CWU’s Child Life graduate program
July 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