Message from the Chair

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the MTSU Department of Biology. The Biology faculty and I are excited to get to know you and are happy that you chose to complete your undergraduate degree with us. Our department is committed to providing you with a high-quality education that will equip you for success in whatever you do post-graduation, whether this is employment in a Biology or STEM-related field, or further education in professional or graduate school.  We will work to challenge you, inspire you and excite you!  We will make you work hard and provide you with opportunities to pursue your interests outside of the classroom.

One of our department’s great strengths is the breadth of our faculty’s expertise. Whatever you are interested in, be it whole ecosystems, cells, or even the science of how we learn and communicate about biology, we have a faculty member that can help you develop your knowledge in that area. So, as you begin your journey with us, I encourage you to get to know our faculty. You can learn more about them and their interests on our website. I also encourage you to get involved. As a member of the MTSU community, you are welcome to attend our seminars, which are held at least twice monthly, and consider joining the various clubs hosted in our department, which includes The Biology Club, the oldest student organization on the MTSU campus! We also hold various social events throughout the academic year, so look out for information on these on the electronic notice boards throughout the Science Building or sent to your MTSU email accounts.

Please know, that if you enjoyed your time with us and want to continue your education at MTSU beyond your undergraduate degree, the Biology department is associated with various graduate programs including the Biology MS, Biomedical MS, Master of Science in Professional Science (MSPS), Molecular Biosciences PhD, and Mathematics and Science Education PhD programs.

If you would like to learn more about what our department has to offer, or if you encounter any problems, please know that the Biology staff and I are ready to assist you. The Biology office is located in the Science Building, room SCI2044, so please drop by or email me at David.e.nelson@mtsu.edu 

We look forward to working with you in our classrooms and research labs as we learn and discover together.

David E. Nelson, Interim Chair
Department of Biology