{"id":7047,"date":"2019-09-09T16:04:27","date_gmt":"2019-09-09T20:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/?page_id=7047"},"modified":"2025-09-26T10:18:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-26T14:18:23","slug":"biology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/","title":{"rendered":"Department of Biology"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<nav class=\"sections-menu-wrapper\" aria-label=\"Page section navigation\" style=\"min-height: 60px;\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"navbar navbar-toggleable-md navbar-light bg-primary sections-menu\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"navbar-toggler collapsed ml-auto\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#sections-menu\" aria-controls=\"#sections-menu\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"navbar-toggler-text\">Skip to Section<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"navbar-toggler-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"navbar-collapse collapse\" id=\"sections-menu\" data-autoselect=\"true\" data-selector=\".auto-section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"nav navbar-nav\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/nav>\n\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"welcome\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-home-welcome auto-section mt-0 mb-0\" data-section-link-title=\"Welcome\" aria-label=\"Welcome\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid bg-faded mb-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p>The UCF Department of Biology is comprised of a balanced blend of research scientists and classroom lecturers who are committed to maintaining a diverse <a title=\"Undergraduate Program\" href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/undergraduate-program\/\">undergraduate<\/a> curriculum, creating a dynamic <a title=\"Graduate Program\" href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/graduate\/\">graduate<\/a>\u00a0program, and engaging in contemporary\u00a0<a title=\"Research\" href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/research\/\">research<\/a>. We have successfully trained thousands of undergraduate students for a range of biology careers including scientists\u00a0and health care professionals. Furthermore, our broad-based curriculum provides excellent preparation for post-graduate education (e.g. medical, dental, veterinary and graduate school).<\/p>\n<p>Research within the department stretches across\u00a0a range of biology disciplines, from\u00a0sub-organismal physiology to ecosystem dynamics. Our competitive MS and PhD programs provide contemporary training in a diverse academic environment. Our students have consistently been employed by many state and federal agencies, colleges and universities, as well as environmental consulting firms and NGOs.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"abroad\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-home-study-abroad auto-section mt-0 mb-0\" data-section-link-title=\"Study Abroad\" aria-label=\"Study Abroad\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"media-background-container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"400\" class=\"img-fluid alignnone wp-image-11160 size-full media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/Bio-Study-Abroad-BG-v2.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people sit in a classroom setting on the left, while people in colorful costumes dance in a group on the right.\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/Bio-Study-Abroad-BG-v2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/Bio-Study-Abroad-BG-v2-300x63.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/Bio-Study-Abroad-BG-v2-1024x213.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/Bio-Study-Abroad-BG-v2-768x160.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/09\/Bio-Study-Abroad-BG-v2-1536x320.jpg 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/400;\" \/>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row pt-4 p-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-md-8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<h2 class=\"heading-underline\">Study Abroad in COsta Rica<\/h2>\n<p>The Department of Biology is excited to announce two study aboard courses that will be offered at the UCF Costa Rica Center in San Jose, Costa Rica.<\/p>\n<p><strong>ZOO 3001<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Integrated Principles of Zoology<\/strong><br \/>\nwith Dr. Michele Yeargain<\/p>\n<p><strong>ZOO 4513<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Animal Behavior<\/strong><br \/>\nwith Dr. Christa Diercksen<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/study-abroad\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tMore information about Study Abroad\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"undergraduate-tracks\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-home-undergraduate-tracks auto-section mt-0 mb-0\" data-section-link-title=\"Undergraduate Tracks\" aria-label=\"Undergraduate Tracks\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid bg-primary mb-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<h2>Undergraduate Tracks<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-2 col-xl-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#general\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"252\" height=\"252\" class=\"img-fluid size-full wp-image-8046 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/General-Biology.png\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/General-Biology.png 252w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/General-Biology-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 252px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 252\/252;\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#general\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tGeneral Biology\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-2 col-xl-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#plant\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"252\" height=\"252\" class=\"img-fluid size-full wp-image-8045 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Plant-Sciences.png\" alt=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Plant-Sciences.png 252w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Plant-Sciences-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 252px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 252\/252;\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#plant\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tPlant Sciences\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-2 col-xl-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#marine\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"252\" height=\"252\" class=\"img-fluid size-full wp-image-8050 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Marine.png\" alt=\"Silhouette of dolphin and turtle\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Marine.png 252w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Marine-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 252px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 252\/252;\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#marine\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tMarine\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-2 col-xl-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#ecology\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"252\" height=\"252\" class=\"img-fluid size-full wp-image-8049 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Ecology.png\" alt=\"Silhouette of earth\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Ecology.png 252w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Ecology-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 252px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 252\/252;\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#ecology\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tEcology\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-2 col-xl-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#prehealth\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"252\" height=\"252\" class=\"img-fluid size-full wp-image-8048 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Pre-Health.png\" alt=\"Silhouette of stethoscope\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Pre-Health.png 252w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Pre-Health-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 252px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 252\/252;\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#prehealth\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tPre-Health\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-sm-6 col-md-4 col-lg-2 col-xl-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#zoology\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"252\" height=\"252\" class=\"img-fluid size-full wp-image-8047 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Zoology.png\" alt=\"Silhouette of turtle, bear, cat and bird\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Zoology.png 252w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/11\/Zoology-150x150.png 150w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 252px) 100vw, 252px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 252px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 252\/252;\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/tracks\/#zoology\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tZoology\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"mission\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-home-mission auto-section mt-0 mb-0\" data-section-link-title=\"Mission\" aria-label=\"Mission\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid bg-inverse mb-0\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<h2 class=\"heading-underline\">Mission Statement<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 1rem;\">The mission of the Department of Biology at the University of Central Florida is to create outstanding undergraduate and graduate academic programs; to engage in novel biological research; and to provide professional expertise to the University and the general public. The Department is committed to maintaining a rigorous learning environment that promotes an understanding of the major principles and concepts in the life sciences, develops critical thinking and communication skills, and fosters a life-long interest in learning. Our faculty commits to promoting an antiracist and inclusive environment for all.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/mission-statement\/\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\tRead More\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"news\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-home-news auto-section mt-0 mb-0\" data-section-link-title=\"News\" aria-label=\"News\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid bg-secondary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"margin-bottom:0;\"\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"padding-left:15px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"news-heading-wrap\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-underline\">In the News<\/h2>\n<div class=\"read-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/category\/departments\/biology-departments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span class=\"muted\">Check out more stories <i class=\"fa fa-arrow-up-right-from-square \" ><\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-md-8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news modern\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-honors-8-trailblazing-faculty-with-2026-luminary-awards\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/10\/UCF_Luminary-Awards_2026.jpg-150x150.avif\" class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail-image\" alt=\"Eight clear, triangular Luminary Award glass trophies from UCF 2026 lined up in a row.\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-news-section-title\">Awards<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-title\">UCF Honors 8 Trailblazing Faculty with 2026 Luminary Awards<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-excerpt\">Eight UCF faculty earned 2026 Luminary Awards for achievements that extend the reach of UCF research and scholarship around the world. Their work is helping&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-researcher-uses-conservation-genomics-to-advance-florida-scrub-jay-recovery\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/09\/resizedLauren-with-Jay-150x150.png\" class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail-image lazyload\" alt=\"Smiling person in a black jacket and cap holding a small bird outdoors, with vegetation and blue sky in the background.\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/150;\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-news-section-title\">Biology<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-title\">UCF Researcher Uses Conservation Genomics to Advance Florida Scrub Jay Recovery<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-excerpt\">For nearly two decades biologist Lauren Deaner has worked with Florida Scrub jays, contributing to population recovery efforts and translocations. Now, as a doctoral researcher&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/7-knights-earn-2026-nsf-graduate-research-fellowships\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2026\/07\/researcher-at-ucf.jpg-150x150.avif\" class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail-image\" alt=\"A person in a lab coat sits on a stool working at a laboratory workstation with a \"Flammable Keep Fire Away\" sign below the counter.\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-news-section-title\">Alumni News<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-title\">7 Knights Earn 2026 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-excerpt\">What does it take to study how some of the earliest galaxies in the universe evolved, develop cleaner energy technologies or better understand the ecosystems&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"featured-news-home col-12 col-md-4\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<p>\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news modern featured-card-home\">\n\t<h3 class=\"ucf-news-title h6 heading-underline mb-0\" style=\"font-weight:bold;\">Featured Story<\/h3>\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item col-sm-12\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-biology-professors-research-links-warming-migratory-temperatures-to-decline-in-monarch-butterfly-population\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"mb-3\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/10\/Monarch-Butterfly-Feeding-on-Pentas-lanceolata-768x512.png\" class=\"ucf-news-thumbnail-image lazyload\" alt=\"A monarch butterfly with orange, black, and white wings rests on a cluster of red flowers, surrounded by green foliage.\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 768px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 768\/512;\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-news-item-details\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-title\" style=\"font-weight:bold;\">UCF Biology Professor\u2019s Research Links Warming Migratory Temperatures to Decline in Monarch Butterfly Population<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"ucf-news-item-excerpt mb-3\">Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) have one of the most impressive migrations in the animal kingdom, but rising temperatures are disrupting their physiology, migration success and&hellip;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"btn btn-primary mb-0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/news\/ucf-biology-professors-research-links-warming-migratory-temperatures-to-decline-in-monarch-butterfly-population\/\">Read More<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<section id=\"events\" class=\"ucf-section ucf-section-home-events auto-section mt-0 mb-0\" data-section-link-title=\"Events\" aria-label=\"Events\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid bg-inverse lazyload\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"background-image:inherit;background-size: cover; background-position: top left; margin-bottom:0;\"\t\t\t data-bg-image=\"url(&#039;\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/biology\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2019\/09\/ucf_29905805_Medium_dark.jpg&#039;)\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-xl-12\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<h2 class=\"heading-condensed heading-underline\">Upcoming Events<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-lg-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<h3 class=\"h5 mt-2 mb-4\">\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Up Next<\/span>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p>\t\t<div class=\"ucf-events ucf-events-modern\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-events-list\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-event ucf-event-row\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-event-when\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<time class=\"ucf-event-start-datetime\" datetime=\"2026-10-16T10:00:00-04:00\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-event-start-date\">Oct 16<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-event-start-time\">10:00 am<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/time>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-event-title-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-event-title\" href=\"https:\/\/events.ucf.edu\/event\/4225900\/the-ecological-morphological-and-transcriptomic-responses-of-seagrass-to-marine-heatwaves-in-the-indian-river-lagoon\/\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Ecological, Morphological and Transcriptomic Responses of Seagrass to Marine Heatwaves in the Indian River Lagoon\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-event-description-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\tSeagrasses provide critical coastal ecosystem services but in recent decades have been increasingly exposed to marine heatwaves (MHWs) and interacting environmental stressors. This thesis integrated ecological, morphological, and transcriptomic approaches to evaluate thermal resilience in shoal grass, Halodule wrightii, within&hellip;\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\" col-12 col-lg-6\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\n<h3 class=\"h5 mt-2 mb-4\">\t\t\t<span class=\"badge badge-primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Looking Ahead<\/span>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<p>\t\t<div class=\"ucf-events ucf-events-modern-nodesc\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-events-list\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-event ucf-event-row\">\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-event-when\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<time class=\"ucf-event-start-datetime\" datetime=\"2026-10-23T11:00:00-04:00\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-event-start-date\">Oct 23<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-event-start-time\">11:00 am<\/span>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/time>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-event-title-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-event-title\" href=\"https:\/\/events.ucf.edu\/event\/4225899\/disturbance-to-disease-determining-infection-dynamics-in-gopher-tortoises-g-polyphemus-present-across-a-gradient-of-anthropogenic-habitat-alteration-on-the-university-of-central-floridas-campus\/\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDisturbance to Disease: Determining Infection Dynamics in Gopher Tortoises (G. polyphemus) Present Across a Gradient of Anthropogenic Habitat Alteration on the University of Central Florida\u2019s campus\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-fullscreen.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7047","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - 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