Biology
Earlham’s biology program encompasses all facets of biology, from cells to ecosystems, from neuroscience to environmental science and health. From day one, you will have unparalleled access to our faculty who teach and do research in and at the intersection of our different disciplines—environmental science, neuroscience, biochemistry, health science, ecology, evolution, and cell and molecular biology.
Our alumni have found work as physicians, nurses, zookeepers, museum specialists, vets, biomedical researchers, GIS specialists, conservation biologists, university professors, wildlife biologists, stem cell and cancer researchers, and educators, among many others. They have worked with state and federal governments and major corporations around the world.
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Top jobs for 2018-2022 graduates were in animal and wildlife, education, non profits, healthcare, research, recreation and more.
“Through the biology department, I have had the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience, which is an important aspect of my pursuit of a career in biology. After graduation, I get to continue doing what I love and effect change on a larger scale within this field.”
Hannah Grushon ’23
Biology Major
“The depth, breadth, and flexibility of curriculum the Biology Department offers is quintessential of the Earlham experience. One moment I was studying giraffe behavior in Tanzania, and the next, I was isolating viruses in the lab. You can truly do-it-all with the faculty and resources offered in the Earlham biology department.”
Sarah Dickman ’22
Biology Major
“The biology faculty at Earlham are almost unmatched in their commitment to students’ growth, learning, and wellbeing. I always felt their support through my coursework and owe so much to the guidance they have given me. Paired with excellent opportunities, like studying natural history in Florida and learning tangible skills through ecological field research in Iowa, I am incredibly grateful to the biology department and its faculty.”
Josh Angell ’22
Biology Major
“I entered the Biology Major expecting to get a degree. I left with a long resume, lifelong mentors, a new career path, and a mission to make the world a better place.”
Thea Clarkberg ’22
Biology Major
“One thing I love about Earlham is getting to know students as individuals. Chatting about biology in hallways and offices, analyzing details of scientific papers, and working closely in student-faculty research projects are just a few ways Earlham excels at presenting students with opportunities to go beyond classroom material and engage deeply with biology.”
Emmett Smith, Ph.D
Professor of biology
“In biology, we prepare our students to ask questions, think critically and find solutions to real-world problems. Through a deep understanding of core concepts, hands-on experiences, field trips, abroad experiences, and research, our students have a unique tool kit to meet current challenges and make a real difference in the world.”
Wendy Tori, Ph.D.
Professor of biology
“Biology at Earlham is not a spectator sport. We do, we change, we grow, we engage, and we form strong relationships within our student and faculty community. Our students engage in research from the moment they step into our program during their first year at Earlham and throughout their Epic journey where they get the opportunity to travel the world to places like: Tanzania, Borneo, Peru, Costa Rica, Bahamas, Galapagos, Iceland and more.”
Jose I. Pareja, Ph.D
Professor of biology
“Earlham is a place where spending time with students doing quality research is highly valued. Our undergraduates gain valuable research skills while making important contributions to the pipeline for vaccine discovery.”
Peter Blair, Ph.D.
Professor of biology
The world is our laboratory, and the laboratory is our world
Hands-on research begins with your first biology course. Throughout your Earlham experience, you’ll do research in the field and lab. You’ll also apply what you learn beyond campus through internships, opportunities with our research partners and amazing off-campus experiences across the U.S. or overseas.
Hands-on experience
Recent biology majors have completed internships at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, the Alaska Zoo, Schepens Eye Research Institute and the United Nations, among other places.
Exceptional facilities
From a fully equipped molecular biology lab, human cadaver lab and the Earlham Nature Reserve System to a greenhouse, herbarium and the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History, you’ll have access to top-notch facilities for your studies.
Our faculty
Our faculty believe in developing the whole person, as well as the biologist within.
Frequently asked questions
In the biology major at Earlham, you’ll be part of a community that cares about you and has a rich history of success in placing students into a wide variety of life science graduate and professional programs. Our faculty will get to know you by first name (you’ll do the same with them) and they will use their resources and networks to help you discover and follow your career path.
Recent biology majors have interned at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center, the Alaska Zoo, Schepens Eye Research Institute, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the University of Arizona Natural History Museum Collections and the United Nations, among other places.
Biology majors are strongly encouraged to plan for an off-campus study semester. Talk to your adviser early in your college career to plan for this. Learn more about upcoming opportunities through the Center of Global and Career Education.
If you’re interested in biology research, natural resource management, healthcare, veterinary medicine or education, the biology major may be for you.
Recent graduates have earned prestigious post-graduate fellowships including National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowships, Fulbright Grants and Watson Fellowships.
Our alumni have found work as physicians, nurses, zookeepers, museum specialists, vets, biomedical researchers, GIS specialists, conservation biologists, university professors, wildlife biologists, stem cell & cancer researchers, and educators, among many others. They have worked with state and federal governments, and major corporations around the world.
Looking for information about the biology senior seminar and comprehensive exams?