WIU Biological Sciences

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.