Biology Department
back row: Bob Morris, Bestey Dyer, Scott Shumway, Shawn McCafferty
front row: John Kricher, Deb Cato, Jane Young, Barbara Brennessel, Erin Post, Ed Tong, Shari Morris
Students interested in the Biological Sciences may choose to major in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, or Psychobiology. The interests of the biology faculty span a wide range of sub disciplines within the field including biochemistry, botany, conservation biology, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, invertebrate zoology, marine biology, molecular biology, ornithology, parasitology, physiology, and symbiosis.
The biology department prides itself on involving undergraduates in scientific research either through investigative laboratory activities, independent research projects as part of 200 or 300-level courses, independent research in a faculty member's research laboratory, or senior honors thesis projects. After Wheaton many graduates enroll in Masters or Ph.D. programs or go to medical, dental, optometry, or veterinary school. Graduates pursue careers in such fields as biotechnology, conservation biology, environmental education, and medicine.
The Balance of Nature: Ecology's Enduring Myth
John Kricher masterfully describes the ancient origins of the concept of a balance of nature and its unquestioned incorporation into the thinking of many ecologists and conservationists.
Wheaton: Traditional Chinese Medicine
A group of Wheaton students traveled to China with Professor of Biology Ed Tong for a three-week program studying traditional Chinese medicine.
Good Tidings: The History and Ecology of Shellfish Farming in the Northeast
Professor of Biology Barbara Brennessel has published a book on the history of the New England shellfish industry and shellfish aquaculture.
The science of teamwork
Professor of Biology Robert Morris and Blair Rossetti '09 discuss the science of teamwork.
Rooting through Wheaton's herbarium
Alexandra ("Lexie") Sabella '08 examines the cabinets that hold Wheaton College's herbarium.
Wheaton junior wins Goldwater Scholarship for excellence in the sciences
Blair Rossetti '09, a biochemistry major from Plymouth, Mass., has been named a Barry M. Goldwater Scholar for 2008.
The Naturalist's Guide to the Atlantic Seashore
Professor Shumway publishes the ultimate guide to the diverse eco-systems of the Atlantic Coast from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras.
Bioinformatics faculty publish
Bio-Stats-CompSci faculty suggest evidence for convergent evolution (more)
Tropical Field Biology Trip to Belize and Costa Rica
Professor Scott Shumway and his students share their experiences and comments of their joint studies in the rain forests and ocean dives.
Get me a student, STAT!
Professor Tong completes the link between the textbook and the person
Biology team publishes in Science
Professor Morris leads Wheaton contribution to Sea Urchin Genome Sequencing Project
Diamonds in the Marsh
Dr. Barbara Brennessel publishes her new book on Terrapin Turtles
Galápagos - an icon for ecotourism
Dr. John Kricher urges serious students of natural history that a visit to the Galápagos is a must.
Bacteriocentricity
Dr. Betsey Dyer's Field Guide: a call to experience the world as bacteria exerience it.
Wheaton Quarterly Articles
A Walk Among the Trees
A Summer of Survival (pdf)
Betsey's Bacteria