Hillsdale College Biology Department

On April 18 biology students traveled to Wittenberg University with Dr. Russell to participate in the 2026 BBB District Convention. The Iota Psi chapter brought home awards for most participants and furthest distance traveled. In addition we had multiple individual award winners:

Ellie Payne – 1st place oral presentation (Organismal, Ecology, Environmental Biology)

Emory Braswell – 2nd place oral presentation (Organismal, Ecology, Environmental Biology)

Connor Pratt – 1st place oral presentation (Molecular, Cellular, Microbiology)

Lydia Colby – 2nd place oral presentation (Molecular, Cellular, Microbiology)

Erika Mogelvang - 3rd place poster presentation (Molecular, Cellular, Microbiology)

Way to represent Hillsdale Biology!

We had several biology students present their research at the 2026 Parent's Weekend Science Symposium this past weekend. All did a great job showcasing their research achievements.

A significant new holding for our museum.

Rare fossil find in Michigan's U.P. named after college professor Doctor Anthony Swinehart at Hillsdale College is behind the discovery of a rare new fossil identified as macroalga - which is similar to seaweed. Now housed ...

The Biology Department is looking for someone to run our Core Molecular Lab. If you are interested, or know someone who is, follow the link to apply:
https://apply.interfolio.com/180400

Congratulations to the newest members of the biology honorary Beta Beta Beta!

Professor Pytel took her Animal Behavior class to the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary this weekend. During the enrichment tour the students learned about the negative consequences of owning exotic animals. This sanctuary is a GFAS certified facility located in Albion, IN.

Congratulations to Dr. Swinehart for having a newly described species named after him! A childhood dream fulfilled.

Ancient algae fossil named after biology professor Anthony Swinehart and his research in 2022. Courtesy | Anthony Swinehart An ancient species of algae will now carry the name of Professor of Biology Anthony Swinehart, following his discovery of the fossil and publication of his research last month. Swinehart discovered the Earltonella swinehartii i...