Welcome

The Department of Biological Sciences provides the biological component of the liberal arts education at Central Washington University. We promote student understanding of biological concepts relevant to the individual and to society, and foster an appreciation of scientific inquiry.

Evolution is the unifying theme of our curriculum. Our students obtain a broad education covering a wide variety of biological disciplines. Our teaching philosophy and facilities support a rich education experience with small class sizes, hands-on experience, regular interaction with expert faculty, and opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate research.

We offer a full complement of competitive pre-professional programs, strong programs in regional field biology, and a high-quality program for secondary biology educators.

Biology Office Contact Information

Biology Main Office
Science Building, Room 338
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7537
Phone: (509) 963-2731
Email: biology@cwu.edu

Interim Biology Chair
Jennifer Dechaine
Phone: (509) 963-2878
Email: dechaine@cwu.edu

Announcements

Science Seminar Series Presentation:

"Defining the Impacts of Environmental Exposures on Host-Microbiota Interactions."  

Chris Gaulke, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

Friday March 5th at 4-5PM (PST)

Humans are bombarded by thousands of dietary, chemical, and microbial exposures daily. Emergent work indicates that the gut microbiome interfaces with these exposures potentially mediating their effects on host physiology. However, we have limited insight into the mechanistic underpinnings of these interactions. In this seminar I will detail how my lab applies integrative cutting-edge molecular and statistical techniques to examine the interplay between the host, the gut microbiota, and the environment and how we aim to leverage this knowledge to promote human health.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://cwu.zoom.us/j/81154413957?pwd=UUVoN2lnV0pSRVg5aFg0bTJHTGVJQT09

PDF of Spring 2021 Course Schedule for Biological Sciences and Craft Brewing

Graduate Opportunities in Biology at CWU with the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project: Fish and Wildlife Connectivity in the Washington Cascade Range 

How to Contact the WSU-Spokane Medicine (M.D.), Pharmacy, and Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Programs

News Article on Craft Brewing Program

Science Seminar Series

Alumni Spotlight 

Connor Parrish (CWU Biology Masters alum) discusses a multi-agency project he is working on to rescue stranded bull trout.

Helen Lau, CWU Biology Masters alum, is featured in The Nature Conservancy video "WA Women and Climate Action".

CWU Biology alums, Anjanette Wilson, Brian Hiatt, Bud Taylor, and Shelley Lankford assist the State Department of Health, working to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Full Story

CWU Biology alums, William Meyer and Helen Lau, discuss an upcoming wetlands restoration partnership project of the Gold Creek Valley near Snoqualmie Pass.