University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences

09/23/2026

Nature of Life Peer Mentors and instructors — it’s time to reconnect and toast to the University’s 175th anniversary! Join the NOL Peer Mentor Alumni Day Get-Together for a night of drinks, door prizes and general festivity. Bonus points if you wear your NOL shirt!

🗓️ October 8 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 BlackStack Brewing (755 Prior Ave N, St. Paul)

Register at z.umn.edu/NOLAlumniDay

09/22/2026

The birthplace of ecosystem ecology. The location where researchers discovered the importance of biodiversity. The testing ground for our understanding of carbon capture. The starting point for research to help us better understand ecosystem change on a global level.

Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve is an ecological research powerhouse located about an hour north of the Twin Cities. Research conducted here has helped us better understand the natural world and its ongoing experiments are helping us adapt to a changing planet.

The University of Minnesota’s Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve has grown into the world hub for terrestrial ecology — and collaborative research.

09/21/2026

It's National Postdoc Appreciation Week! A big thank you to all the postdoctoral researchers in CBS for helping us educate the next generation of scientists in our classrooms and pushing for new discoveries in research. You make an incredible impact on our College and University community!

09/20/2026

This fall semester, CBS Student Services has some great events planned for CBS undergraduates! As you settle into your routine, round out your schedule with our upcoming programming. Swipe to see the full lineup and bookmark this post so you can come back to it!

Get more details and RSVP to events here: z.umn.edu/cbs-ss-events (link in bio)

CBS Travel Talks: Join the CBS learning abroad program adviser to learn more about study abroad program options. Attend any and all sessions (virtual or in person in 3-104 MCB)!

Study Abroad as a CBS Student
September 24, 10-11am or September 29, 2-3pm

Affordable Learning Abroad Programs & Scholarships
September 30, 2:30-3:30pm or October 14, 2:30-3:30pm

Health Programs Abroad
October 6, 10:30-11:30am

Research Programs Abroad
October 8, 11am-12pm

Exploring Life Science Career Pathways
Tuesday, September 29, 2:30-3:20pm, 512A Bruininks

Looking to explore what career options you have with a life sciences degree? Attend this workshop with the CBS career readiness team to learn more about the many unique pathways and industries in the life sciences that you can pursue as a CBS alumni!

Building Your Success Network
Wednesday, September 30, 12:30-2pm, B-55 Tate
Thursday, October 1, 5-6:30pm, 530 Bruininks

Join the CBS advising team for an interactive experience designed to help you build a student success network to support your academic, personal and career goals. Attend a session to identify key campus resources, learn when and how to ask for help and build confidence navigating college systems.

Pre-Health Planning 101 workshop
Friday, October 2, 1-2pm, 3-120 MCB
Thursday, October 29, 2:30-3:25pm, 112 Folwell

Attend an interactive workshop led by the CBS career readiness team for an introduction to components of health professional school applications, timelines, and competency-based admissions.

Let’s Get Planning: Graduation Planner workshops
Wednesday, October 14, 12:30-2pm, 115 Ford
Thursday, October 29, 5-6:30pm, 230 Bruininks

Map out your college journey and future! Meet with an academic advisor to build your graduation plan and make sure you’re on track for your degree. You’ll also be able to connect with

09/18/2026

What impact could synthetic cells have on the world? Genetics, Cell Biology and Development Associate Professor Kate Adamala shared a bit about her and her lab's breakthrough of developing the world's first synthetic cell with a complete life cycle along with some of the ways these cells could have a broad-reaching impact, from medicine to developing new materials.

The lab-made cell pushing the boundaries of life, explained.

09/17/2026

To understand big changes in climate and ecosystems, sometimes you have to look at the smallest details. In CBS, Dr. Peter Kennedy and his research team explore how microbes and fungi drive major ecosystem shifts. From carbon capture to soil health, their work bridges the gap between what happens below ground and how it shapes our environment above.

09/16/2026

Hone your scuba diving skills in Roatán, Honduras this winter break (January 2-16) while learning about the beautiful coral reefs and their inhabitants. Explore the biology, ecology, and human impacts on coral reef systems, as well as mitigation and protection strategies while undertaking academic, hands-on field and scuba diving experiences.

You must be scuba certified to participate in this program. You can complete your scuba certification prior to traveling to Roatán or during the program in Roatán (open water dives only). Want to prep for a future offering of this program? Make a plan to get scuba certified now!

Learn more and apply by September 27 > z.umn.edu/coral-reef-ecology

09/15/2026

Join us October 14 for our first Petri Dish of the fall as we discuss how some species survive and adapt under the weight of environmental pressure and how we can use predictive bio-design to determine which species will endure in a changing climate!

Explore how we can use predictive bio-design to identify the secrets of survival on October 14. August 27, 2026 While some species collapse under the weight of environmental pressure, others — the "living fossils" — have endured for millions of years despite massive shifts in the Earth's climate...

09/10/2026

Jonathan Schilling was this year's recipient of the John S. Anderson Award for Faculty which recognizes faculty members who lift others up and lead with the kind of integrity that defines the CBS spirit. Jonathan is a professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology and is also the director of Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. During his tenure as director, Itasca has tripled enrollment in its field biology courses and also seen an increase in research permits He has fostered deep, authentic connections with the DNR, Itasca State Park staff, the surrounding communities, including the White Earth and Leech Lake tribal nations. Congratulations Jonathan!

09/09/2026

Some first day of school photos from yesterday because mom insisted on it! 😇 Swipe through to see what a few of our undergrads want to be when they grow up... ✨