Faculty in the College of Biological Sciences conduct research on a broad range of subjects, from molecules to ecosystems, and make discoveries that improve human health, restore the environment, provide new sources of renewable energy and enhance agriculture. Here you will find a collection of news, features and opportunities for and about CBS faculty.
Antisocial blind cavefish are drastically different from their social surface-dwelling counterparts. Despite distinct appearances and lifestyles, the fish are members of the same species.
The College’s field stations are vital to our research, education and outreach mission. Faculty and staff at Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve and Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories do incredible work. Two recent productions capture a bit of the magic of these unique places.
I hope your winter break provided an opportunity to recharge and prepare for the semester ahead. Spring is always a busy time, and this year is no exception. The Dean’s Office kicked off 2020 with a half-day retreat focusing on the future of biology education and research. It was a great opportunity to draw on the collective experience and wisdom of our associate deans, department heads, and post-doc, graduate and undergraduate representatives as we think about where we are and where we want to go as a College.
The new performance management process is designed to encourage regular performance check-in meetings with your supervisor and will provide you with the training and resources you need to engage in meaningful conversations about your professional development. Additionally, the new process focuses on shared goal-setting and individual accomplishments rather than rated competencies. Supervisors will rate overall performance on a 3-point scale. New Performance management forms (for reviewing civil service, bargaining unit, and P&A staff):
I spent part of last week with about 90 other biologists at a meeting in Atlanta on Reintegrating Biology hosted by the National Science Foundation. It was one of three parallel “jumpstart” meetings happening around the country and online. We were asked to think about big questions in biology such as: Is there a universal theoretical framework to understand robustness and resilience? How does life persist despite constant change? How can artificial intelligence be utilized to advance biology? and so on.
Fruit flies float into the humid air in a custom room dubbed the arena, and the main event draws near.