UNC Biology Undergrads

05/10/2026

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Biology class of 2026!!

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05/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/UNC.College/posts/pfbid02QknkMxKe2XQqNm2MYsDj5DzmHynj7eBxPvQtiHKMsKAXvbHGpTuSbcNwXvGTkfaJl

While many biology majors seek research experiences at the lab bench or in the field, some learn about education in the Carolina Biology Education Research Lab, led by teaching assistant professors Eric Hastie and Laura Ott.

In the lab, students have developed learning modules that include modeling with K'nex how gut microbes break down carbohydrates, building a gene out of Legos and using 3D-printed figures to explore the structure and function of enzymes. The students design and pursue real research questions and learn how to test and revise their teaching tools.

“We don’t run CBERL because we have to,” Ott said. “We do it because we feel that the research helps us and, more importantly, our students in the long run.”

In recognition of their passion for education, both Ott and Hastie were awarded 2026 University Teaching Awards.

“It’s knowing the students see that I care about them,” Hastie said. “That really drives it home for me.”
https://go.unc.edu/e8D2B

04/27/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Biology undergraduate awardees!!

(see images for details)

03/25/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G9aLnMqdN/

Researchers at have uncovered how chronic inflammation disrupts the immune system’s ability to heal the body, offering new insight into diseases associated with inflammation such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and neurological disorders.

Led by Celia Shiau, associate professor of biology, the study shows that long-lasting inflammation fundamentally alters macrophages, immune cells that both drive inflammation and repair damaged tissue. Shiau holds a joint appointment in the UNC School of Medicine.

The study also introduces a new genetic tracking tool that allows scientists to watch macrophages enter inflammatory states in real time.

“Tracking immune cells as they respond to injury in real time was like watching an action-packed sports game unfold,” said Shiau. “Where some macrophages are both causing inflammation and starting repair at the same time — rewriting what we thought were separate roles.”

Read more: https://go.unc.edu/shiau

02/25/2026

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Once, when senior Clara DiVincenzo was on a dive to assemble coral platforms, she reached for her screwdriver only to realize it was missing.

To improvise, DiVincenzo found two sturdy scalloped shells resting on the ocean floor. She and her dive buddy grabbed the shells and finished assembling the platforms, which were integral to her research project.

The experience is just one of DiVincenzo's many favorite memories of undergraduate research in the Castillo ecophysiology lab at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her love of marine conservation and drive to generate knowledge about the field helped her find her field https://go.unc.edu/Qo2c7

📝 📸 UNC Research
UNC Earth Marine and Environmental Sciences

02/05/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Laura Ott, the recipient of the 2026 Chapman Award and to Dr. Eric Hastie, the recipient of the 2026 Tanner Award.

Two distinguished teaching awards for two amazing teaching faculty in the Biology department!

01/30/2026

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biology professor Bob Goldstein is taking his research expertise from Carolina to elementary schools across the state. 🩵

In his free time, Goldstein — who uses microscopes for his cell research in the UNC Chapel Hill Department of Biology — leads workshops to show teachers how to assemble $15 DIY microscopes for their students’ use.

Since the project began, 1,151 microscopes have been assembled, the 1,000th at Wildwood Forest Elementary in Raleigh last year.

"My favorite story is when teachers tell me kids are bringing in stuff from recess or from home to look at that the teacher never told them to," Goldstein said.

https://go.unc.edu/p7Q4G
📝 The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
🐏

11/12/2025

senior Sophia Vona has always loved both science and stories. As a double major in the UNC Chapel Hill Department of Biology and UNC English and Comparative Literature in the College, she’s discovered how powerfully they work together.

Through her work in the HHIVE Lab, Vona studies how language shapes public understanding of major health issues, exploring how the stories we tell about science influence what people believe and the policies that follow.

Last summer, support from the Arts and Sciences Fund bolstered her research through a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

Your support of the Arts and Sciences Fund helps students like Vona bridge fields and make a difference in the world. Help Tar Heels turn passion into purpose with a gift today: https://give.unc.edu/donate?p=aasf

10/18/2025

This year’s faculty service award winner equips elementary schools with DIY microscopes and mentors Covenant scholars.

10/10/2025

Congrats to Bob Goldstein, professor of biology and adjunct professor of art, who won the 2025 Edward Kidder Graham Faculty Service Award 🎉

Goldstein researches fundamental mechanisms in cell and developmental biology. He also volunteers at elementary schools to help teachers assemble $15 smartphone DIY microscopes for their students' use.

Goldstein will be recognized for his outstanding service at the University Day ceremony on Oct. 12 https://go.unc.edu/Tq75C

🔬 UNC Chapel Hill Department of Biology
🎨 UNC Department of Art and Art History