Research
Exploring the Science of Life
At the School of Biological Sciences, we seek to understand life in all its complexity—from the microscopic building blocks of cells to vast ecosystems spanning the planet. Our research tackles fundamental questions in biology and shapes the future of medicine, conservation, agriculture, and more.
Students engage in discovery that improves lives and deepens our understanding of the natural world. Whether you’re drawn to genetics, ecology, neuroscience, or human biology, our programs offer a pathway to exploration, discovery, and real-world contributions.
Our Research Areas
- Molecular, Cellular, & Genetic Sciences: investigating the molecular foundation of life through genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, cytogenetics, and epigenetics
- Ecology and Evolution: understanding how species adapt, evolve, and interact with their environments, including conservation biology, population genetics, coevolution, ecosystem ecology, and disease ecology
- Neuroscience and Behavior: exploring how organisms think, learn, and respond to their environments, including behavioral ecology, ecological physiology, and neurobiology
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Disease: studying the role of microbes, viruses, and immune systems in human, animal, and plant health, including virology, immunology, parasitology, and disease evolution
- Aquatic and Environmental Sciences: examining the health of freshwater and marine ecosystems, including oceanography, limnology, soil science, and plant ecology
- Anthropology and Human Biology: investigating human evolution, adaptation, and health through the lens of biological sciences, including evolutionary biology, genetics, and physiological adaptations
- Animal and Plant Sciences: understanding the biology of plants and animals at all levels, including botany, plant physiology, veterinary sciences, and reproductive biology
- Computational and Mathematical Biology: applying data science, bioinformatics, and mathematical models to solve complex biological problems in genomics, population ecology, and systems biology
Innovators in Biological Discovery
The School of Biological Sciences (SBS) at WSU is renowned for its influential research across various biological disciplines. Notably, several SBS faculty members are recognized among the top 2 percent of cited researchers worldwide, underscoring the school’s significant contributions to scientific knowledge.