Ball State University Department of Biology

05/03/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our 2026 Biology graduates! 🎉 We wish you the best with wherever life leads you next 🌎

04/30/2026

In Dr. Tim Carter’s lab, our students get the opportunity to contribute directly to real-world animal conservation. Working alongside academics and biologists, Dr. Carter and his students are studying how bats respond to one of the biggest threats they face: white-nose syndrome. 🦇

By monitoring bat populations and studying how this disease spreads and impacts survival, they are working to better understand which species are most vulnerable and why. These insights are key to developing strategies that can slow declines and support recovery.

To read more about this research and our students’ experiences, check out the CSH blog here: https://blogs.bsu.edu/csh/2026/04/15/dr-tim-carter-and-students-conduct-bat-research/

04/30/2026

Congratulations to our very own Gem Sambugaro for receiving a Perham Scholarship! Way to go, Gem! 🎉

Congratulations to Alexis Evans, Ruth Hartje, Cameron Lynch, and Gem Sambugaro for receiving the Perham Scholarship! This scholarship is awarded in memory of Dr. Bernadette H. Perham, Professor of Mathematical Sciences at Ball State University for 16 years. The Perham Scholarship supports students’ pursuit of excellence now and into the future and is awarded to nominees who display leadership potential and academic excellence.

Alexis Evans is a double major in Computer Science and Media Analytics and the founder and president of Women in Computer Science. She wants to pursue a career in web design/development or in media analysis and content strategy.

Ruth Hartje is a Creative Writing major with minors in Sustainability, Social & Environmental Justice, and Spanish. She has worked for Stance and The Broken Plate and wants to pursue content writing for organizations advocating for sustainability.

Cameron Lynch is a Psychological Science major with minors in Counseling and Spanish. She runs free support groups for caregivers in the Muncie community and volunteers with Muncie OUTreach to support LGBTQ+ youth. She is passionate about uplifting, supporting, and empowering others as she pursues a career as a mental health therapist.

Gem Sambugaro is a Zoology major who plans to attend veterinary school post-graduation. After they receive their DVM, they plan to focus their career on wildlife veterinary medicine and preserving native populations of birds, herps, and mammals.

Congratulations again to the well-deserving recipients!

04/30/2026

Amazing work, Aidan! 👏

Aidan Davis is a Biochemistry and Pre-Med Major. 🧪

🔬 During his time at Ball State, he's been given many opportunities to connect with professors and gain knowledge as a researcher in both microbiology and organic chemistry labs. He also currently sits on the Board of Trustees for Ball State.

💬 "Because of Ball State, I have been guided into a world of new and exciting opportunities that I would have never otherwise had."

Read more about Aidan and his journey at Ball State at the link: https://blogs.bsu.edu/csh/2026/04/23/student-spotlight-one-stem-majors-journey-to-a-seat-on-the-board-of-trustees

Ball State Department of Chemistry Ball State University Department of Biology

04/28/2026

Nice work, Raina! 👌

Raina Wolf is Biology & Pre-Dental Preparation major! 🦷

☀️🌕 One of her favorite memories is watching the solar eclipse on campus with her mom and being able to being able to take off her glasses at totality to see the sun and moon perfectly aligned on Ball State's campus.

🔬 Because of Ball State, she had the opportunity to apply to the Teacher-Scholar Program and join Dr. Pederson's research lab, where she discovered her passion for hands-on scientific research.

Ball State University Department of Biology

04/25/2026

Keep up the great work, Star! 💪🎉

Star Moon is Biology and Pre-Medicine major with minors in Chemistry and Health Humanities. 🔬🧪

🩺 Star has always wanted a career that allows her to combine patient care with her passion for science. After graduation, she plans to continue her education by attending medical school.

💬 "Because of Ball State, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and strengthen my professional communication skills through immersive learning experiences."

Ball State University Department of Biology

04/25/2026

Way to go, Gabe! 👏👏👏

Gabriel Minichiello is Biology major with a concentration in Wildlife Biology & Conservation and Pre-Veterinary. 🐾

🐟 Because of Ball State, he was able to get experience in a first of its kind in state aquatics lab in the Ball State University Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Center.

🔬 He credits Dr. Jessica Ward for shaping his experience at Ball State. As a sophomore, he began helping graduate students in her lab and had the opportunity to work with his fellow undergraduates to design, hone, and execute a research project on fathead minnow behavior.

Ball State University Department of Biology

04/23/2026

Congratulations Olivia! 🥳

Olivia Glaeser's time at Ball State was highlighted by her time working closely with professors and advisors to tailor her research experience to match her future goals of working in women’s health care. 🔬

🩺 As a Pre-Medicine, Biology, and Women's and Gender Studies major, she truly got the best of both worlds for her future career.

❤ But her favorite was planning and executing the 2026 Homecoming: Rev the Red. As the Special Events Chair, she brought campus together and celebrated Ball State!

Ball State University Department of Biology

04/14/2026

Nice job, Isabella! 🎉

Isabella Torres is a Pre-Med and Microbiology major! 🩺

🔬 During her time at Ball State, she has had the opportunity to work on microbiology research within Dr. Olesen's lab where they investigate the role of various proteins and how they affect the treatment of a cancer known as T-ALL.

💬 "Because of Ball State I have become so much more confident and have been able to help others do the same!"

Ball State University Department of Biology

04/14/2026

Round of applause for Reva for making the ! 👏🏼

Reva Allam is a Microbiology and Pre-Med Major! 🩺 During her time at Ball State, she has worked on multiple projects on maternal and pediatric medicine.

🎶 With a minor in Music Production, Ball State also allowed her to balance her biology coursework while continuing to pursue music. Her favorite memory was being able to perform with her dad for her Honors 189 class.

Ball State University Department of Biology