Biological Sciences faculty secure major grants

Our congratulations to the Biological Sciences faculty and administration for securing two major grants in recent months. These two projects will enhance the educational experience for biological science undergraduate and graduate students.

UNC Faculty Receive Grant to Recruit, Retain Undergraduate Students in Biological Sciences

A team of faculty led by Catherine Gardiner, director of the School of Biological Sciences, and that includes Rick Adams, Robert Reinsvold and Gregory DeKrey, has received a major award to recruit, retain, support and promote the graduation of undergraduate students majoring in the biological sciences.

The award from the National Science Foundation worth up to $750,000 will be used to increase the number of United States citizens or permanent residents obtaining bachelor’s degrees in the biological sciences. Activities will include academic and financial support for students.

Nationally, there is a shortage of graduates in biological sciences, particularly among students from traditionally underrepresented groups. More graduates are needed to ensure an adequate U.S. science and engineering workforce for the increasingly competitive and changing global labor market, according to a National Science Board report, "The Science and Engineering Workforce Realizing America's Potential." An increased number of graduates in this area will help support a healthy economy, respond to national security demands, and maintain and elevate the quality of life and standard of living in the United States, the report states.

UNC’s School of Biological Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science degree with emphasis in four areas of biology: Biomedical Sciences, Cell and Molecular Biology, Organismal Biology, and Biology Secondary Teaching. The school specializes in student-centered education that includes hands-on laboratory, field and teaching experiences to meet the needs of Colorado’s future scientists.

UNC Awarded $380,000 to Improve Doctoral Program in Biological Sciences

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the University of Northern Colorado $380,000 to recruit students into the doctoral program in the School of Biological Sciences. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups are specifically encouraged to apply. Students with demonstrated financial need, superior ability and excellent academic credentials can be supported with stipends of up to $30,000 per year.

The U.S. Department of Education has identified a national need to increase the number of graduates with doctoral degrees in the sciences. More doctoral graduates will help ensure an adequate U.S. science and engineering workforce for the increasingly competitive and changing global labor market, according to a National Science Board report, "The Science and Engineering Workforce Realizing America's Potential" (NSB 03-69). The increase will help support a healthy economy, respond to national security demands, and maintain and elevate the quality of life and standard of living in the United States, the report says.

The University of Northern Colorado School of Biological Sciences offers outstanding research programs. The grant will increase the school’s capacity for doctoral students and enhance its ability to identify, recruit and retain those from underrepresented backgrounds. It will also help serve students more effectively, better preparing them for teaching and research positions.