The Mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to cultivate a diverse and thriving intellectual community of faculty, staff, and students focused on excellence in teaching, learning, and research in the life sciences. Faculty and staff are dedicated to nurturing students so that they (1) graduate with a clear understanding of the major biological concepts and an awareness of how these concepts are interconnected within the sciences as a whole, and (2) have acquired the technical, problem solving, analytical, and communication skills that will provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and progressive career development. The Department places a strong emphasis on the mentoring of undergraduates and graduate students through participation in cutting-edge research that advances scientific knowledge.