Transylvania University Biology

The Biology Program is sad to note that this is the last May term for our amazing colleague Dr. Belinda Sly, who is retiring from academics this year. However, we are also excited for her as she is planning to return to Oregon to be closer to family and explore new opportunities and interests. She is a great colleague, friend, mentor, and teacher and will be greatly missed.

Please feel free to share your favorite memories of Dr. Sly as we celebrate her career here at Transylvania University!

🎉 Student Spotlight 🎉
This past week, Graham Thomason '25, a Biology major (Cellular and Molecular track) and Philosophy minor, presented his research at the TODD (Therapeutics, Outcomes, Discovery, and Delivery) Symposium at the University of Kentucky! 🌟 As part of the UK College of Pharmacy Summer Research Program, Graham worked in the lab of Dr. Lindsay Czuba. Come by the third floor of BSC if you want to look at Graham's poster and learn about his research!

Exciting research in the biology program this summer!

Biology professors Folusho Falade and Becky Fox are working with Transylvania students this summer identifying and genetically characterizing avian malaria in local house sparrows.

Congrats to Dr. Mary Caitlin Wallace on the defense of her dissertation. Such a cool mix of molecular and ecological biology. We’re so excited for you and look forward to continuing to follow your career!!!

Welcome back to Lexington, Heather!

Congratulations to Heather Hamilton '17 who—after gradating from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine recently—has begun working at PetVet365 in Lexington! Heather shared some of her previous work in the announcement, "including research on house sparrow behavior, working in a variety of small animal and exotics veterinary hospitals, and working with birds at the Nashville Zoo." Additionally, she listed her clinical interests as exotic animal medicine, internal medicine, and surgery. We're glad to have you back in town, Heather!

Congratulations to Robby Neff '23 for being awarded the Ruchman Outstanding Biology Senior Award this past May! Throughout his time with us, Robby displayed exceptional dedication as a student, conducted research alongside Dr. Liz Loh, and served as an invaluable work study student on the biology floor. He will be missed greatly at Transy but we are so excited to follow his future adventures!

Dr. Josh Schwartz '10 gave a guest lecture in Drs. Johnson and Sly's Nanoscience class this week. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California San Diego in Cellular and Molecular Medicine researching Autism Spectrum Disorders. It was wonderful to have Josh back on campus and hear about his amazing scientific explorations!

At this week’s University Service Awards, Biology Lab Coordinator, Danielle Zipperer, was given the Outstanding Newcomer award and NSM Administrative Assistant, Laura Ray Warren, was recognized with the Outstanding Staff award. Their hard work provides our students with an amazing experience. Thank you for your support and congratulations!

Colby Grant (‘22) was featured in the Floracliff Nature Sanctuary newsletter for his work this summer as a Land Stewardship Technician. Nice work Colby!

We’re excited to suppor this new minor! It’s a great opportunity for bio majors! Contact your advisor for details!

Transylvania's liberal arts foundation enriches new data analytics minor - Transylvania University - 1780 Transylvania is launching a new minor to prepare students for the rapidly growing field of data analytics, which has surprising connections to the liberal arts.

We’re so happy to have Dr. Falade on board! Come welcome him on the 3rd floor of BSC!!

New professor helping Transylvania meet growing interest in infectious diseases - Transylvania University - 1780 Folusho Falade, who recently began as the school's newest biology professor, brings with him not only a wealth of experience in researching infectious diseases, but also a passion for teaching others about them.