WIU Biological Sciences

10/12/2026

Discover Western – Exploring Biological Sciences at WIU! 🔬🦌🐺

Today, Western Illinois University's Biological Sciences program welcomed prospective students and their families during Discover Western!

Visitors had the opportunity to meet with faculty and students, explore our teaching facilities, and learn about the many opportunities available in biology, including zoology, wildlife biology, ecology, microbiology, and biomedical sciences.

A highlight of the visit was exploring our biological specimen collections and seeing firsthand how hands-on learning is an important part of the WIU Biology experience.

We enjoyed meeting these future Leathernecks and sharing our enthusiasm for the biological sciences!

Go Leathernecks! 💜💛

10/12/2026

Research in Action at WIU Biological Sciences! 🌱🔬

Exciting research is happening in the biology laboratories at Western Illinois University!

Dr. Meshack Afitlhile and his undergraduate and graduate research students are exploring the fascinating world of plant biochemistry, investigating the molecular and biochemical processes that influence plant function.

Through hands-on research, students gain valuable laboratory experience, develop scientific skills, and participate in the process of discovery alongside faculty mentors.

It's another great example of the research opportunities available to students at WIU!

09/16/2026

Our first ever School of Natural Sciences Welcome Fest was a success!! We had a wonderful turnout and the food was amazing!! Shoutout to Deb Lutz the office manager and to Hy-Vee for the food!! A big thank you goes to Dr. Thompson for his generosity in suggesting we have this time to come together!! Great job everyone!!!

08/27/2026

Our department's former paleobotanist and department chair, Dr. Benton Stidd, passed away recently. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

Benton Maurice Stidd passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 90 on July 13, 2026, after a swift decline related to chronic kidney...

07/30/2026

Alaina Martin, one of our Biology majors (with an emphasis in Botany), had the prestigious opportunity to participate in a Plant Genomics REU at Michigan State University this summer. Their project title, "Understanding Seed Desiccation in Arabidopsis thaliana" was presented in the research symposium, and they did a very nice job presenting findings of the study and representing our department at WIU. Way to go Alaina!!!

05/18/2026

2026 WIU Biological Sciences Master’s Students Commencement 🎓

04/22/2026

It was a beautiful afternoon as we honored some of our own. Kaley Meyer, BOT 200 TA and research student, was awarded the Teaching Assistant of the Year Award. She was nominated by Dr. Ranessa Cooper, both pictured below.
Also, not pictured, our own Office Manager, April Huston, was awarded for 10 years of service at WIU!
Congratulations to all and thank you for your hard work and dedication to the Biological Sciences Department and to Western Illinois University!!

04/22/2026

We are proud to announce that TriBeta has restarted with a new group this year and Initiation took place last night under the Presidential leadership of Biology major, Aaron Surdez. Here are the club members with Dr. Musser.