Info For
Skip to Content
Student working in biology ad

Biology Program

Part of the Biology, Environmental Science & Sustainable Development Department

A Faithful Study of Living Things

Taylor’s Biology program exposes its students to advanced biology internships, research in cell and molecular biology, biology courses focused on current scientific trends, and a breadth of real-world experiences guaranteed to prepare them for a career in biology or further education in graduate school. Whether you’re pursuing biology education, biology research, or medical school, dental school, or another pre-professional school, Taylor’s Biology faculty will actively advise you one-on-one to help you choose the best long-term path.

Our Biology professors have diverse areas of expertise, including molecular biology, cell biology, physiology, zoology, and science education. Each faculty member will engage and uniquely challenge you to relate your education to your faith.

Growing Outside the Classroom

Taylor’s Biology program offers numerous ways to grow professionally outside of the classroom, including:

  • Alpha Pi Iota
    This pre-healthcare club facilitated by a practicing medical doctor allows you to focus on medical ethics, prepare for the MCAT, share summer research experiences, hear from health care professionals, and talk about graduate-level health care programs.
  • State and National Conferences
    Our students not only attend biology education and research conferences, such as the Annual Global Missions Health Conference and the Experimental Biology Conference, but every year Biology students can present their own research at the Indiana Academy of Science’s annual meeting.
  • On-site Undergraduate Research Program
    Complete research projects in microscopy, cell and molecular biology, genetics, and animal behavior and physiology under the mentorship of Biology faculty. Recent projects have included research on cell culturing, bone remodeling, and Drosophila (fruit fly) genetics.
  • Health Professions Advising
    Get personalized guidance during your time at Taylor as you prepare for professional or graduate school, whether medical, dental, veterinary, or other. Schedule an appointment to talk with the Health Science Coordinator during your Taylor visit.

See for Yourself

Listen to Dr. Jessica Baker explain the benefits of a Biology degree at Taylor.

Planting Seeds Around the World

To help Biology students expand their horizons, Biology faculty and other science professors host numerous trips that allow students to study biology abroad. Explore national landmarks like the Black Hills region of South Dakota or the Rocky Mountains, or travel internationally on medical missions trips or with health outreach programs. Gain real experience working with in the industry as a hospital intern, field biologist or wildlife biologist, or research biologist.

Life After Taylor

Career Opportunities

Taylor Biology grads have been hired by major hospitals, the U.S. government, and high-profile national organizations, such as Mayo Clinic, Eli Lilly and Company, Roche Pharmaceutical, World Vision, and Medair.

With a BS or BA in Biology, you could pursue a variety of life science careers, including genetic counselor, botanist, forester, zoologist, and biological technician, among others. Biology Education majors will be equipped to pursue one of these biology careers or a career as a high school biology teacher or middle school science teacher.

Graduate Programs

Graduates of the Biology department have also been accepted to some of the nation’s premier graduate and medical schools, including:

  • Boston University
  • Des Moines University
  • Duke University
  • Emory University
  • George Washington University
  • Harvard University
  • Indiana University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
  • Michigan State University
  • Northwestern University
  • Ohio State University
  • Tulane University
  • University of Chicago
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of Colorado
  • Vanderbilt University
  • Yale University

Department News

Dr. Jessica Outcalt ‘16 Promotes Conservation Work Thumbnail

Dr. Jessica Outcalt ‘16 Promotes Conservation Work

Dec 14, 2023

Dr. Jessica Outcalt is an Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development Educator with Purdue Extension–Cass County.

Summer Research Projects Grow Depth of Knowledge Thumbnail

Summer Research Projects Grow Depth of Knowledge

Oct 26, 2023

Most classes may have been out for the summer, but faculty-mentored research projects in music, biology, biochemistry, engineering, and more were in full swing across campus.

Biology Professors, Students Conduct DNA Research Thumbnail

Biology Professors, Students Conduct DNA Research

Feb 10, 2023

Professor Elizabeth Hasenmyer and Dr. Sarah Justice, Assistant Professors of Biology, are collaborating to give students firsthand experience with DNA sequencing.

Faculty & Staff

Profile image of Brian Dewar

Department Chair

Brian Dewar

Department Co-Chair and Associate Professor of Biology

Profile image of Jessica Baker

Jessica Baker

Associate Professor of Biology

Profile image of Elizabeth Hasenmyer

Elizabeth Hasenmyer

Assistant Professor of Biology

Profile image of Allison Hunt

Allison Hunt

Assistant to the Dean, School of Natural & Applied Sciences

Profile image of Li Chieh Lu

Li Chieh Lu

Assistant Professor of Biology

Profile image of Jan Reber

Jan Reber

Professor of Biology & Allied Health Advisor

Profile image of Daryl Sas

Daryl Sas

Visiting Professor of Biology

Profile image of Stuart Walker

Stuart Walker

Health Professions Coordinator

Profile image of Lauren Woodward

Lauren Woodward

Assistant Professor of Biology