MTSU Department of Biology

06/02/2026

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Liz Barnes

Before becoming a nationally recognized researcher in science education, Dr. Liz Barnes was a teenager working as a waitress after leaving high school. Today, she is helping faculty across the country better understand how students learn science and how teaching can be more effective.

As an associate professor in MTSU Department of Biology, Barnes studies evidence-based teaching practices and works to make science more accessible for students from all backgrounds. Her own path to higher education continues to shape her research, teaching, and commitment to student success.

Read her story at https://bit.ly/3RHN9pQ

05/21/2026

05/14/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Miller on his retirement!!! Thank you for all you have done for the Biology Department the last 37 years! You will be greatly missed!

05/13/2026

Congratulations Donye Asberry and Alexis Katz!!!

Two Middle Tennessee State University Honors students have been selected for highly competitive Medical Scientist Training Program summer research opportunities, placing them among a small group of…

05/11/2026

Congratulations to Csilla Szepe on graduating with her Ph.D. in Molecular Biosciences this past Friday! (Pictured with her advisor, Dr. Mary Farone)


Photo Credit: MTSU

05/08/2026

The Biology Department held its annual Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, April 30th. Congratulations to all the recipients!!!

Photo Credit: Mina Gayed MTSU College of Basic & Applied Sciences

04/15/2026

Come out to Cedars of Lebanon State Park for the 49th Elsie Quarterman Cedar Glad Wildflower Weekend, May 1st-3rd! See information below or scan the QR code for more information.

04/06/2026

MTSU Level II Arboretum Unveiling
April 16, 2026; 1:30 PM-2:00 PM
Walnut Grove, in front of Peck Hall and across from Todd Hall

Learn about the arboretum’s history and its significance to campus, and be led by Drs Kim Sadler and Danielle Brown for a short guided tour. Arboretum maps and commemorative buttons will be available.

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4d96c995830943ecb1ad05a2b6c470e7

A view of the Middle Tennessee State University's Level II Arboretum

04/06/2026

🚨Seminar Announcement-Last Seminar of the Semester this Thursday, April 9th🚨

Chase Kinsey, Ph.D.
Belmont University
Thursday, April 9th
11:20 a.m.
SCI 1190

Title: DIY at PUI: Conducting low cost undergraduate research

04/02/2026

We want to CONGRATULATE the Biology winners from Scholars Week! Your dedication and hard work have paid off - great job!

CBAS Poster Day Winners:
Undergraduate:
2nd Place - Johanna Crick (faculty mentor - Dr. Donald Walker)

Doctoral:
1st Place - Katie Coscia (faculty mentor - Dr. Elizabeth Barnes)

Scholars Week Winners:
Undergraduate:
1st Place - Alexis Katz (faculty mentor - Dr. April Weissmiller)
1st Place - Travis Ray (faculty mentor - Dr. Elizabeth Barnes)
2nd Place - J. Hayes (faculty mentor - Dr. Elizabeth Barnes)

Graduate:
3rd Place - Rahmi Aini (faculty mentor - Dr. Elizabeth Barnes)