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Mothers, Diets, and Children

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TEACHING & LEARNING THROUGH RESEARCH

Despite her demure presence, Elinor Sullivan is an emerging rock star in the world of physiology research. She is currently the holder of two faculty positions (Assistant Professor at UP and Adjunct Assistant Scientist in the Department of Neuroscience at the Oregon Primary Research Center), in addition to holding two concurrent grants: most recently a $45,322 research award from the competitive Murdock Life Sciences Research Program. [Read more…] about Mothers, Diets, and Children

Sarah Bortvedt, ’08, wins Impact Award at UNC

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Sarah Bortvedt, class of 2008, has recently won a prestigious 2012 Impact Award from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she is working on her doctorate in Cell and Molecular Physiology.  Her work on the causes of obesity have focused on the role of the small intestines in processing and absorbing and/or storing ingested fats.  “The result of Sarah’s work demonstrate for the first time that intestinal insulin resistance and associated abnormal lipid absorption may represent new and early mechanisms that promote obesity and fatty liver,” said P. Kay Lund, Ph.D., Bortvedt’s dissertation advisor.  Her work will help guide improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for obesity and diabetes.

Katie O’Reilly Receives Fullbright Award

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UP Biology Professor Katie O’Reilly has been award a Fullbright Scholar grant to study Little Blue Penguins and teach conservation ecology at the University of Aukland, New Zealand, in Spring 2013.  O’Reilly will study hormones and their effects on micro-scale activity and movement patterns of Little Blue Penguins.  It is the 12th Fullbright grant won by a University of Portland professor over the past 15 years, and the first ever won by a woman.

In January 2012, O’Reilly travelled to Antarctica, Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia Island.  Information about the trip, the species seen, and photos are available on her blog: click here.

Biology Welcome

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The faculty in the Department of Biology are dedicated to excellence in teaching and mentoring students in the biological sciences and related fields of study.  Students in our program acquire a wealth of knowledge, practical experience, and analytical skills while reflecting on the ethical values that link science and society.

The Department of Biology offers two bachelor’s degree programs.  The B.S. in Biology provides students with a comprehensive background in the biological sciences, along with extensive supporting coursework in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.  The B.A. in Biology provides more flexibility to allow students to combine their study of biology with additional coursework in other disciplines, such as psychology, business, education, theology, social sciences, or communication.

The Department of Biology also participates in offering an interdisciplinary B.S. degree in Environmental Science with a concentration in biology.  For more information about this program, follow this link to the Environmental Science web page.

The Department of Biology plays an integral role in the new neuroscience minor offered in conjunction with the Department of Psychology, and other academic departments across the University.  The Department offers several courses that are part of the minor including anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, and animal behavior.  For more information about this new minor, please visit the neuroscience minor web page. 

Undergraduate research is integrated throughout the curriculum to promote independent learning and enable students to develop their talents in observation, experimental design, data analysis, and problem solving.   Investigative projects are key components of many of our courses, and students have ample opportunities to collaborate with the biology faculty in faculty research programs.

Our goal is to foster the development of the whole person with excellent instruction, guidance, and individual attention in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in the field.

Sincerely,

Jacquie D. Van Hoomissen
Chair, Biology Department
vanhoomi@up.edu

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