Meaningful Classroom Experiences
Our courses are current and infused with opportunities for students to engage in impactful collaborative projects with the public and professionals.
Embark on a meaningful career
Biology
About the Department of Biology
The Biology Department at the University of St. Thomas is a professionally engaged community that equips undergraduate students to find their passions, embark on meaningful careers and become responsible, scientifically literate citizens through authentic experiences in science. As a biology student, you will discover how to employ your scientific skills to serve the common good of humanity, while respecting the diversity of life on our planet.
Our biology and biology of global health programs are flexible, allowing you to individualize your course plans to support your interests and career goals. Throughout your time at St. Thomas, you will acquire a versatile and transferrable skill set grounded in the natural sciences that is needed in a diverse array of careers, such as medicine, dentistry, biomedical science, public health, agriculture, environmental science and more.
Our Majors and Minors
Our department is dedicated to providing you with a creative, engaging and flexible program of study that stimulates your intellectual curiosity. You will feel prepared for a range of careers, including (but not limited to) the health professions, environmental sciences, data analytics and business.
Related Programs
Our courses intersect with multiple programs at the university, which means you will have the opportunity to complete courses in our department.
Academic excellence for the common good
As a student in our department, you will have the opportunity to engage in multiple rewarding opportunities inside and outside of the classroom throughout your undergraduate career.
Explore Biology Majors and Minors
Impactful Research
Our faculty are practicing scientists whose research supports scientific progress and informs environmental and public health policies.
Giving Back
Throughout your time in our programs, you will develop an appreciation for the interaction between health, the environment and social issues.
Changemaking for the Common Good
Fatoumata Jaiteh ‘19
Inspired by the Health Changemaker Biology course she created with Dr. Adam Kay, Fatoumata started From Mother to You, a nonprofit dedicated to gathering resources Gambian mothers need in the early months of their children's lives. Fatoumata had the confidence to develop an informed course of action to make an impact on a problem close to her heart because of her biology and global health courses.
Faculty
Our faculty are active researchers and dedicated teachers that are excited to interact with you inside and outside of the classroom.
Dr. Kenichi Okamoto
Dr. Okamoto is an eco-evolutionary biologist who uses computational approaches to advance understanding of host-pathogen interactions. His work spans a variety of topics including disease control measures against endemic infections and management of the emergence of pathogen resistance.
Dr. Dalma Martinović-Weigelt
Dr. Martinović-Weigelt is a toxicologist whose research aims to protect drinking water sources and informs control of chemical substances. She co-authored over fifty research manuscripts (many with students) and is a recipient of research funding from a variety of state and federal entities.
Dr. Adam Kay
Dr. Kay's research focuses on "stewardship science," which combines environmental science research with community service. He is developing multiple projects, locally and internationally, that test hypotheses about small-scale farming. Each project is designed to make a direct contribution to the local community.
Spotlights
Hannah Volkman ‘14
Hannah graduated from St. Thomas in 2014 with a double major in biology and Spanish along with a minor in global health. She went on to earn a Master of Public Health degree and PhD in Environmental Infectious Diseases from the University of Minnesota. After working at Minnesota and California state health departments, Hannah now is a dengue epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Puerto Rico and is contributing to COVID-19 response efforts.
Matthew Pazderka ‘12
Matthew served as a member of the Northwest Jesuit Volunteer Corps. He is now a practicing physician and works dedicatedly to further understanding of social determinants of health.
Vanessa (Prebish) Kern ‘16
Vanessa is a veteran and served as a medic in Iraq. Since graduation, she worked in industry and state government to monitor potential health hazards to keep the public safe.
Robel Ponds
Robel founded Praxis, an organization that powers communities in Eritrea with solar solutions involving local, recycled and non-recycled metals.
Contact Information
Questions? Feel free to contact us!
Tel: (651) 962-5220
Email: jone2615@stthomas.edu
Mailing Address
Mail OWS 352
University of St. Thomas
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Campus Location
We are located on the third floor of the Owens Science Hall in room #352