BIOLOGY W
hat is true in life is also true in the biology major at Rollins: Nothing compares to hands-on experience. That’s why the majority of courses in this field include laboratories, and at Rollins you lead them. There are no lecture halls and no viewing of studies from the other side of a room. Small class sizes mean you’re the catalyst of your own research—even in stepping-stone classes—working under the expert guidance of doctorate-level professors from hypothesis to experiment to analyzing data. The success of Rollins graduates tells us this type of evidence-based learning translates seamlessly into any type of career, whether it’s in medicine, education, or business.
Why Study Biology at Rollins Original Research Opportunities Rollins biology professors start stressing independence in 100-level classes. You control your own research, with oversight from professors, which instills confidence early in your college studies.
State-of-the-Art Learning Environment The Bush Science Center is designed as a student-centric hub. Students can convene here at all hours, studying, collaborating, and taking advantage of continual access to professors.
Life Skills Beyond Biology Biology majors are trained to troubleshoot, lead experiments, think creatively, and communicate their studies effectively. You gain invaluable skills to navigate any profession or important life decision.
“I’ve loved nature from a young age, but the biology major at Rollins changed my life and opened my eyes. I gained an understanding of the nuances of life and then traveled the globe to apply my understanding to a worldview. It all prepared me to speak with purpose at the U.N., the Vatican, and the White House. I have Rollins to thank for that.”
Clayton Louis Ferrara ’09
Executive Director, IDEAS For Us
Rollins Biology Careers Rollins biology grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative companies and organizations.
Molly H.B. Amador ’13
PhD Candidate, University of Miami; Independent Contractor, American Journal Experts
Navreet Dhaliwal ’13 ’15MBA Project Manager, HealthGrid
Michaela A. O’Driscoll ’16
MD Candidate, University of Florida College of Medicine
Seth Pierce ’11
Director of Sales and Marketing, Proaquatix
Paxton Sickler ’17
Sales Associate, Sports Promotion Group
Real World Experience From internships to research, biology students hone their skills in the real world.
Popular Courses From classroom, laboratory, and field experiences, students take courses that span the spectrum of biological disciplines. They learn to think critically and emerge as leaders prepared to make informed decisions about important scientific issues. • BIO 229 Microbiology • BIO 308 Genetics • BIO 312 Animal Physiology • BIO 330 Field Botany and Florida Ecosystems • BIO 341 Molecular Biology • BIO 360 Cell Biology
Beyond the Classroom Internship Opportunities The name “Rollins” carries clout for students who apply for competitive internships. Our faculty encourages you to decide what you want to study, and where, for a summer.
Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program Undergraduates have the opportunity to spend up to two months in the summer working side by side with a biology faculty member, and get paid. This program provides students a strong start on a long-term laboratory project and the opportunity to present at a professional conference.
Study Abroad The biology curriculum is built to encourage students to study across the globe (often during the fall term of junior year). Popular field experiences include Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Expert Faculty Our biology instructors could teach anywhere, but they choose Rollins because of the individualized structure and the department’s personal approach to training—in the classroom, in the field, and in life.
Pamela M. Brannock, PhD | Assistant Professor of Biology Research interests: Exploring the genetic composition, connectivity, and variation of aquatic invertebrates
Bobby Fokidis, PhD | Assistant Professor of Biology Research interests: Exploring the hormonal and neural links between energy status and animal behavior, particularly in a changing environment
Fiona Harper, PhD | Associate Professor of Biology Research interests: Marine evolution, speciation in the marine environment, and hybridization between species
Jay Pieczynski, PhD | Assistant Professor of Biology Research interests: Dynamics of microtubules and microtubule motor proteins in cell signaling and behavior
Brendaliz Santiago-Narvaez, PhD | Assistant Professor of Biology Research interests: Oral microbiology, in particular the bacterial species Streptococcus mutans, which is capable of forming dental plaque
Paul T. Stephenson, PhD | Associate Professor of Biology Research interests: Plant physiology and cell biology
Kathryn P. Sutherland, PhD | Professor of Biology Research interests: Coral reef ecology and coral disease microbiology
Susan Walsh, PhD | Associate Professor of Biology Research interests: The live event of the trafficking of mitochondria in the nervous system during zebrafish development
rollins.college/biology