Note from the Chair

Ray Huey

Despite the recent cold weather here in Seattle, the lengthening photoperiod signals the coming of spring. This will be an unusually busy one for us, as we brace for budget cuts from the state of Washington.
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Faculty Research

How Songbirds Learn to Sing
The transition from winter to spring is often abrupt and always welcome. Days lengthen, plants bloom and birds sing in the early morning. Just how songbirds learn to sing is the focus of research for David Perkel, joint professor in biology and otolaryngology. More ...

Graduate Student Research

Why Chilies Are Hot
How do researchers determine if a chili is spicy? They eat them! That's how members of Professor Josh Tewksbury’s lab discovered that not all wild chilies are hot—some are as bland as a bell pepper. Why are some chilies mouth-searingly hot and others not? Grad students Noelle Machnicki and David Haak are in “hot” pursuit of an answer. More ...

Beyond the Classroom

Exploring Peruvian Andes & Amazon
Last summer Biology graduate students Ursula Valdez and Tim Billo and Professor Emeritus John Edwards led an exploration seminar to Peru for 20 undergraduates. The result? "Priceless," said one of the students. More ...

Alumni Recognition

Zoology Alum at NOAA's Helm
Dr. Jane Lubchenco, '71, is the new head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). More ...

Visit Our Biology Alumni Web Site!
Staying connected with UW Biology after you graduate is easy. Check it out!

News & Events

Orcas in Trouble?
With declining numbers, the Puget Sound orca population appears to be in trouble. Research by Biology professor Sam Wasser and graduate student Katherine Ayres may hold clues as to why. Read the Seattle Times article.

Power Up with Algae
Solar, wind and…algae? Biology professor Rose Ann Cattolico envisions breaking our addiction to oil and putting algae in your gas tank. Read the Seattle P-I story.

Awards & Achievements
Recognizing our exceptional faculty, students, staff and alumni. More ...

Visit UW Biology in 2008-09
UW Biology is pleased to offer its alumni and friends opportunities to visit during 2009. We look forward to seeing you! More ...

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