As always, in this newsletter you will find department updates, events, and news, as well as lots of cool opportunities for internships, summer research, and more! We welcome contributions (including pictures) from all department members. Please send any contributions to amaxwell2@loyola.edu

What is your advice for future Biology students?

"If people are complimenting you, listen."
"Make sure you spend time with friends and loved ones!"
"Say yes to every opportunity."
"Don't give up! Keep pushing!"
"Don't be afraid to ask for help!"
"Never give up! You are more capable than you think."
"Study HARD. It will pay off."
"Study gradully. No all nighters!"
"Keep your head up. You can do it even when it feels like you can't. You can do hard things!"
"You know more than you think!"
"Go talk to your professors and break up your studying!"
"Make connections with your professors and ask questions."
"Work hard, play hard!!"
"Be curious of the world around you and the interconnectedness of it all! It's all biology."
"Take Biochem with Dr. Nguyen!! My Queen!"

What are your best Biology memories?

"Cutting brains and brewery tour."
"Microbio field trip!"
"Getting close with my professors."
"Microbio with Dr. S."
"Learning about mammoths with Dr. Derrickson!"
"Streaking for isolation"
"Brewery tour in micro with Dr. Tate!"
"Lab dissections"
"Cancer bio lab"
"Nutrition with Dr. S!"
"Punnett squares"
"Presenting research at the colloquium!"
"Union Craft Brewery with Dr. S."
"Synthetic Biology!"

Table Of Contents

1. News
2. Events
3. Student Opportunities

Medical Humanities Presents Posters

Medical Humanities: Intersections of Visual Art and Health Science (BL188) held their end of semester poster session on Thursday, May 1st in the McManus Theatre lobby. For their final projects, students were divided into seven teams, and each team was charged with making a poster about a disease chosen by the team members. The posters discussed the biology, history, and treatment of the disease, while also incorporating artwork reflecting upon the disease by each student. The students had their posters on display and discussed their work with guests. BL188 is co-taught by Biology professor Dr. Michael Tangrea and Art History professor Dr. Kerry Boeye. 

Aquatic Ecology Students Enjoy A Semester Full of Field Trips

Aquatic Ecology (BL380) took a variety of exciting field trips this semester!

The class visited Susquehannock Wildlife Center in Darlington, MD.

Student’s visited the National Aquarium’s Harbor Wetland exhibit and met Mr. Trashwheel in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

Aquatic Ecology (BL380) got out of the classroom on campus as well to take samples from Stony Run.

Biology Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta, Inducts 2025 Class

Loyola University Maryland’s Theta Chi Chapter of the Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society is proud to announce the induction of 71 new members this year.  The 2025 induction ceremony was held on April 11th at Loyola’s Alumni Chapel, led by Tri-Beta members Catherine Delaney, Hannah Hargrave, Grace Millis, and Sophie Werner.  Special thanks to Grace Acle, Sofia Oliveri and Riley Taylor for assisting with the event.

Induction into Tri-Beta requires completion of at least three courses at the majors-level in biology as well as maintaining at least a 3.3 gpa in all biology courses and laboratories.  Applications are accepted each Spring semester, typically in mid-February.  Questions about joining Tri-Beta can be directed to Dr. Geiman or by emailing tribeta@loyola.edu.  

Congratulations to all these new inductees for demonstrating such a high level of academic excellence in biology!
 

Dr. van Breukelen's student research group to be featured in Animal Behavior Society summer events

Hannah Graham '25 and Sarah Oliver '27 will be presenting their research at the Animal Behavior Society meeting this July in Baltimore. Hannah and Sarah conducted research on shoaling behavior in juvenile convict cichlids with Dr. van Breukelen

On Saturday July 12th, Dr. van Breukelen's student research group will be participating in the Animal Behavior Society Outreach Fair at the Maryland Science Center from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Outreach Fair is open to all with paid admission to the Maryland Science Center. This event focuses on sharing knowledge about animal behavior research with kids in the community. Student work from Dr. van Breukelen's Animal Behavior (BL454) course will be featured. 
 

Summer Elective Now Available for Registration

Registration is now open for Dr. Craig Myrum's summer elective, The Biology of Sleep (BL330). This 3 credit, online/asychronous class examines some of the leading theories for why we sleep and observes what happens when orgramisms (including ourselves) do not sleep. Sign up now to secure your spot! The summer semester runs from July 14th through August 21st.