Why Study Biology?
Biologists study the structure, function, development, and evolution of living organisms. They have a curiosity about the natural world and use their knowledge and modern technologies to improve peoples’ health and lives, and for the maintenance of global ecosystems. Biologists work in the healthcare sector to address health issues ranging from emerging diseases to antibiotic resistance, to ensuring optimal water and food supplies. Others pursue careers focusing on the impact of environmental biodiversity and climate change.
Why Study Biology at Eastern?
Biology students at Eastern gain extensive practical experience and spend more time in the laboratory and on field projects than in lecture. Students receive the full attention of their professors, all of whom have Ph.D. degrees from top universities — professors teach both lectures and laboratories. Working in small classes with state-of-art scientific equipment ranging from a qPCR machine to a confocal microscope, students acquire hands-on experiences in the laboratory and in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Just one example of the major's flexibility is its pre-med focus. In addition to the Biology major, a Biology minor is offered to other majors.
Salary Potential
* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hands-on Learning
Tropical Biology
Eastern biology students and faculty have conducted field research in the Caribbean Basin (Belise, Bahamas, Costa Rica) each of the past 50 years.
Undergraduate Research
Mentored by faculty experts, biology students conduct independent research ranging from discovering new antibiotics to NASA research to genetics.
Internships
Eastern students take summer internships at Pfizer, Jackson Labs for Genomic Medicine, the Ecological Society of America and more.
Career Options
Students who pursue undergraduate degrees in Biology can have rewarding and successful careers in a variety of professional fields, including:
- Physician
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Laboratory Technician
- Optometrist
- Ecologist
- Forensic, Marine, Cell, Wildlife, or Computational Biologist
- Physician Assistant
- Biotechnologist
- Nurse
Successful Alumni
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree or a minor in Biology are at the following companies and professional/graduate schools:
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals
- Bristol-Meyers-Squibb
- Kinetic Biomedical
- Pfizer
- State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
- Boston College
- Dartmouth College
- Duke University
- Tufts University
- Yale University
Alumni Testimonials
Biology
Brian Magna ’83
“At first, I wanted to be a dentist, but along the way, Coach Clyde Washburn opened my eyes to athletic training, physical therapy and the spirit of teamwork. Today, I own my own sports medicine business. Students need to take advantage of all that Eastern has to offer to make the most of their education in preparation for future careers.”
Biology
Kevin Connolly ’17
Kevin was a Barnard Scholar at Eastern and earned his master’s degree in medical laboratory sciences at Quinnipiac University. He is now pursuing a doctorate at Brown University. “At Eastern I was fortunate to formulate my own research question and learn not only the satisfaction of obtaining significant findings, but the hardships that go along with conducting research and how to overcome those struggles.”
Cutting Edge Chiropractic
Richard Cutting ’09
Richard has a private practice as a chiropractor at Cutting Edge Chiropractic. During his journey to becoming a chiropractor, he attended six colleges and universities. “The quality of education in Eastern’s biology program was by far superior to the others. The professors are hands down the best I’ve had.”
Gulf of Maine Research Institute
Anthony Lucia ’13
Anthony works at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute in Portland, ME, as a video review technician on commercial fishing boats. “During my time at Eastern I was able to supplement my degree with a variety of independent research, travel and important life experiences that have been invaluable in both my professional and personal life.”
Goldwater Scholar
Jacob Dayton ’19
Biology major Jacob Dayton was Connecticut’s only Goldwater Scholar in 2018. “This recognition is a testament to the strength of Eastern’s biology program and the value of the research experiences I’ve had.” Throughout his time at Eastern, Dayton has conducted leading research about migratory birds with his mentor Biology Professor Patty Szczys. He intends to earn a Ph.D. and pursue a research career in genomics.
Genetic Counseling
Elizabeth DelBuono ’17
Biology major Elizabeth DelBuono is pursuing a master’s degree in genetic counseling at Sarah Lawrence College. Her internship at the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine — where she conducted breast cancer research — solidified her career aspirations: “I was surrounded by some of the most brilliant individuals in the world, and was immersed in the race to find an answer, a gene, a treatment, a cure.”
Virgin Islands
Clayton Pollock ’07
Biology major Clayton Pollock is a National Park Service biologist in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “I wouldn’t be here today without the foundation I received from the Biology Department. I will never forget my experiences in Belize and San Salvador Island; those opportunities helped define my career aspirations and provided a great deal of practical experience.”
Stanford University
Justin Gomez-Stafford ’21
Biology major Justin Gomez-Stafford ’21 is pursuing a master’s degree in human genetics and genetic counseling at Stanford University. He aspires to diversify the healthcare field and improve the lives of marginalized people. “I feel ready to take on this new journey thanks to Eastern’s rigorous curriculum and incredibly knowledgeable faculty, who molded me into a better scholar year after year.”
Research Professional
Evelyn Lemus ’20
Biology major Evelyn Lemus ’20 is employed at the Stanford University School of Medicine as a research professional studying microbiology and immunology. She aspires to become a medical doctor and research physician. “I am who I am academically, emotionally and socially because of my experiences at Eastern. As a research physician, I plan to apply my knowledge to prevent and treat diseases and injuries, and I want to be engaged with communities that resemble my own.”
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Jacob Paciotti ’21
Biology and Spanish double-major Jacob Paciotti ’21 is pursuing a Ph.D. program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Stony Brook University. “Working in Eastern’s greenhouse introduced me to multiple different disciplines, including horticulture, agriculture and botany, all of which have helped to strengthen and broaden my knowledge of plant science and biology as a whole.”
