A Faithful Study of Living Things
Taylor’s Biology, Environmental Science & Sustainable Development Department strives to embody the mentality that science leads to stewardship and service. You’ll be encouraged to explore the ethical reasoning behind a faith-based pursuit of biology, environmental science, and sustainability.
Whether you’re pursuing scientific investigation, education, research, or medical school, dental school, or another pre-professional school, our faculty will actively advise you one-on-one to help you choose the best long-term path.
From advanced biology internships, research in cell and molecular biology, and biology courses focused on current scientific trends, you’ll get a breadth of real-world experiences guaranteed to prepare for a career in biology or further education in graduate school.
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.
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.
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.
Planting Seeds Around the World
Expand your horizons through study abroad trips. 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.
Alpha Pi Lota
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
Attend biology education and research conferences, such as the annual Global Missions Health Conference and the Experimental Biology Conference. every year Biology students can present their own research at the Indiana Academy of Science’s annual meeting.
Dr. Jessica Baker explains the benefits of a Biology degree at 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:
If you enjoy God's creation; have concern for both people and the environment; and like field study, scientific investigation, analysis, and finding solutions to problems in the environment, the Environmental Science & Sustainable Development program may be right for you.
Expand Your Reach
Environmental Science & Sustainable Development majors are not limited to learning about the environment and sustainability in rural Indiana. Every student in the department participates in a summer course in Field Natural History of the Black Hills in South Dakota and studies abroad in Guatemala or Ecuador. Some of our students choose to study geology, botany, zoology, and ecology on a weeklong camping trip to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks.Pursue research and immersive learning experiences at the award-winning Randall Environmental Center. The building incorporates a state-of-the-art interior environmental design with outdoor views of the surrounding natural areas. Randall houses environmental growth chambers; a Geographic Information System; a greenhouse for horticultural projects; equipment for field research in botany, ecology, geology, soils, and hydrology; and large collections of rocks, minerals, and specimens.
Outdoor Research Spaces
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Department Chair and Associate Professor of Biology
Associate Professor of Biology
Assistant Professor of Biology
Assistant Professor of Sustainable Development
Professor of Geology & Environmental Science
Assistant Professor of Biology
Assistant to the Dean, School of Natural & Applied Sciences
Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology
Professor of Biology & Allied Health Advisor
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science
Visiting Professor of Biology
Health Professions Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Biology
Taylor Alumna Shares Story of Becoming a Craniofacial Surgeon
Dr. Katelyn Makar '09 is a pediatric craniofacial surgeon at Riley Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Students Explore Tropical Biology and Culture in Hawaii
15 Taylor students got real-life exposure to tropical biology and Hawaiian culture during J-term.
Dr. Jessica Outcalt ‘16 Promotes Conservation Work
Dr. Jessica Outcalt is an Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development Educator with Purdue Extension–Cass County.
HEART Village Gives Students Sustainability and Missions Experience
HEART Village is operated by Echo International for the purpose of preparing families and individuals for developing-world conditions and self-sustainability.
Summer Research Projects Grow Depth of Knowledge
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
Professor Elizabeth Hasenmyer and Dr. Sarah Justice, Assistant Professors of Biology, are collaborating to give students firsthand experience with DNA sequencing.
Biology Graduate Seeks Personal Approach to Healthcare
Maddi Evans ’22 used her education, softball experiences, relationships with professors, and clinical and research opportunities as a foundation for her PA school application.
Sustainable Development as a Ministry
Alumna Rachel Weikart ’21 uses her Taylor whole-person education and Sustainable Development degree in her position at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, an overnight and day camp in Minnesota.
Taylor Alumna Shares Story of Becoming a Craniofacial Surgeon
Dr. Katelyn Makar '09 is a pediatric craniofacial surgeon at Riley Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Students Explore Tropical Biology and Culture in Hawaii
15 Taylor students got real-life exposure to tropical biology and Hawaiian culture during J-term.
Dr. Jessica Outcalt ‘16 Promotes Conservation Work
Dr. Jessica Outcalt is an Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Community Development Educator with Purdue Extension–Cass County.
HEART Village Gives Students Sustainability and Missions Experience
HEART Village is operated by Echo International for the purpose of preparing families and individuals for developing-world conditions and self-sustainability.
Summer Research Projects Grow Depth of Knowledge
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
Professor Elizabeth Hasenmyer and Dr. Sarah Justice, Assistant Professors of Biology, are collaborating to give students firsthand experience with DNA sequencing.
Biology Graduate Seeks Personal Approach to Healthcare
Maddi Evans ’22 used her education, softball experiences, relationships with professors, and clinical and research opportunities as a foundation for her PA school application.
Sustainable Development as a Ministry
Alumna Rachel Weikart ’21 uses her Taylor whole-person education and Sustainable Development degree in her position at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, an overnight and day camp in Minnesota.