UWRF Biology

The Department of Biology prides itself on the diversity of training, research experiences, and interests of its faculty members, as well as a commitment to individualized student attention. At UW-River Falls, students are encouraged to be independent thinkers, challenge traditional wisdom, and to behave ethically and socially. They are encouraged to follow an environmentally sound life-style that will produce responsible global citizens.

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls Biology Department offers several degree options that prepare students for various careers. All of the programs place heavy emphasis on undergraduate research as well as provide numerous opportunities for internships and international experiences. For more information visit our Degrees page.

Our department is located on the fourth floor of the Agricultural Science building. Please make arrangements to stop in and see us if you are visiting campus!

$500 Tuition Reimbursement Opportunity!

The UW system is offering tuition reimbursement to students who work in a clinical or health care setting through the COVID-19 student health care worker initiative. A $500 tuition refund will be provided to students who meet the following criteria:

Must be enrolled at a University of Wisconsin System campus during the Spring 2021 semester.
Must work a minimum of 50 hours in a Wisconsin clinical or health care setting, such as a hospital, clinic, nursing home, long-term care facility, state or local health care facility, or state veterans home, between December 1, 2020, and February 1, 2021.
Must meet health care licensure and certification requirements, such as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (CEMT), or Nurse Aid. Students who also qualify as a CNA under the emergency rule currently in place can participate as well.

To be eligible for the tuition credit, students must present a letter from their employer verifying the type of work and the hours worked to their campus Student Billing Office by no later than March 31, 2021. Students who qualify will receive a $500 tuition refund at the end of the Spring 2021 semester.

Students interested in becoming involved can connect with employers via Handshake, an online job listing and candidate management system. UW campus career services administrators will help students identify eligible job opportunities.

UWRF Biology Graduate on the Front Lines in the Fight Against Coronavirus

Due to fear of infection, nurses like UWRF Biology graduate Tiffany Wolfberger are typically the only ones who can be in a patient's room as someone dies from coronavirus. Read her story of treating one such patient.

"I know that we are no substitute for a family member, a wife, a sister... I want people to know that we’re struggling with this just as much as they are. And we are all working to make sure no one will die alone. We all stand together. We just want them to know that we’re going to be there for them."

Jase Baker

“From day one, the faculty and staff that I studied with at UW-River Falls dedicated themselves to me and my success. My advisor made me feel like I always had someone in my corner, and my resident assistant Rylee worked his butt off to forge friendships among residents that still exist today. I have made friends with biology and chemistry majors and formed study groups that meet weekly to help us learn together. I would say the most important step that I took to be successful at UWRF was to create a supportive network of faculty and of successful peers and to actively engage with them.” -Jase Baker, Pre-Med / Biology, Center City, MN

Biology Graduate Olivia Yue

“I Instantly fell in love with the UW-River Falls campus. I think what spoke to me the most was how personable the staff was. It felt so genuine and authentic. I felt like I was truly being cared for, truly being seen on this campus and that was just my first visit.” - Olivia Yue, 2019 Biology Graduate

Biology Graduate Sarah Slinger

“UW-River Falls was the first school I toured and I loved it,” she says. “My hometown of Northfield, Minnesota, is a town similar in size to River Falls and also a college town. I just felt like I was in a new Northfield with different people when I was in River Falls. I also couldn’t get over how nice everyone was.” - Sarah Slinger, 2019 Biology Graduate