Graduate Student Research Projects
Research projects are a big part of the activity in the Department of Biology. Faculty and student research spans from molecules, cells, organisms and their interactions with the environment. Take a look at some of the projects that our graduate students are working on right now. Learn more..
Hope Ball - Integrated Biosciences PhD student
Research Spotlight: Biology
Studying "Obese" Whales to Understand Human Obesity
How do mammals get fat and stay fat? Specifically, how do whales do it? That’s what researchers in UA Biology are trying to finout out. To do so, Hope Ball, a PhD student in the Integrated Biosciences program is looking at tiny protein called leptin that’s involved in how the body regulates how much it eats and how much energy it burns. The goal for mammals is typically to find a balance between food intake and energy burn. Whales, and other obese mammals, have found a way to build large fat stores despite this balance but rather than being obese they appear to be healthy and happy as fat mammals. Learn More
Seminars and Discussion Groups
There are many opportunities for undergraduates, graduates and faculty to advance and share their understanding of biology. We have several colloquia and reading groups that meet regularly during each semester. Learn more..
Biology Department News
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When did feathered dinosaurs become warm-blooded?
A new discovery by UA biologist Matthew Shawkey and international research team shows pigment cell shape holds the secret. -
UA researchers trace bat killer’s path
White-Nose Syndrome poses the threat of regional extinction of North American bats, which in turn has a potential impact on agriculture. -
One of the 'most awesome' labs in America is right here at UA
Microbiologist and geologist Hazel Barton's lab is featured as one of the top 10 most awesome undergraduate research labs by Popular Science. -
PBS' 'Nature' seeks answers to mysteries of spider silk in UA labs
How do Darwin's bark spiders make one of the world's largest known webs? UA biologist Todd Blackledge is working to unlock their secrets for real world applications, and "Nature" viewers will see what he's learned. -
African starlings: dashing darlings of the bird world in more ways than one
Feathers that change color 10 times faster than ancestors led to the birth of new species and increased its survivability.
