Biology Department
Why Study Biology at UNC Asheville?
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UNC Asheville and build a strong foundation for careers in health professions, biotechnology, scientific research, education, and more. Our Biology program offers a broad and immersive study of the living world and humanity’s role within it—preparing students for graduate or professional schools, as well as direct entry into science-based careers. With options to explore biology-related minors or enroll in individual courses for professional development, the program offers flexibility for students at every stage of their academic journey. Rooted in the liberal arts, Biology at UNC Asheville combines hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary exploration to help students thrive.
Biology Program
Biology Program
Bachelor of Science or Minor
Teacher Licensure Offered
UNC Asheville’s Biology program combines lab, classroom, and fieldwork to explore areas like genetics, ecology, and molecular biology. With small class sizes, research opportunities, and access to resources like the Highlands Biological Station, students gain practical experience and a strong foundation for careers or graduate study.
Careers & Outcomes
Careers & Outcomes
A biology degree from UNC Asheville opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in both the health professions and scientific research. The program is well-suited for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other allied health fields. It also provides a strong foundation for those planning to continue their education through graduate or professional programs in biology, education, or related disciplines.
Student Research in Biology
Student Research in Biology
At UNC Asheville, Biology students actively engage in meaningful, hands-on research that deepens their understanding of the natural world. Through programs like the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Scholars and the UNC Asheville Biology Scholarship, students have opportunities to work alongside faculty on projects ranging from invasive species studies to molecular biology and ecology. Many students participate in the Undergraduate Research Program, where they gain experience designing experiments, analyzing data, and communicating their findings. Research often culminates in presentations at regional and national conferences—and in some cases, publication in academic journals.
Scholarships
Scholarships
UNC Asheville offers several scholarships specifically for Biology majors, including awards based on academic achievement, financial need, and research in areas like botany. Opportunities include the Biology Scholarship, the Carolyn White Spragins Scholarship, and graduation awards recognizing excellence in undergraduate research.
Pre-Health Pre-Professional Program
Pre-Health Pre-Professional Program
UNC Asheville’s Pre‑Health Pre‑Professional Program supports students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and other health fields by combining personalized advising through its Advisory Committee with a strong liberal arts foundation, research opportunities, and local clinical and service-learning experiences, all of which prepare students to meet rigorous admissions requirements—coursework, test prep, the MCAT, interviews, and recommendation letters—so they can stand out in competitive applicant pools and succeed in advanced healthcare careers.
UNCA was incredibly influential with helping me get to where I’m at in my career today. I believe this was mostly due to the high caliber of professors I had and how much they cared for my personal success. I would not be where I'm at today if it weren't for UNCA. I always felt supported and encouraged to follow my passion of conservation storytelling. The professors and guidance I had while at UNCA gave me the confidence to pursue my current career."
Biology Department Faculty
Our gifted faculty specializes in vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, botany, herpetology, ecology, evolution, animal behavior, human anatomy and physiology, animal and plant physiology, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, and genetics.
Jamie Rasnick
Administrative Assistant
Office: 302 Zeis Hall
Phone: 251-6444
Email: jrasnick@unca.edu
Dr. Courtney Clark-Hachtel
Assistant Professor of Biology
Office: 306 Zeis Hall
Phone: 255-7144
Email: cclarkha@unca.edu
David Clarke, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Office: 326 Zeis Hall
Phone: 5151
Email: dclarke@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Camila Filgueiras, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
Office: 310 Zeis Hall
Email: camila@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Monday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Wednesday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Melinda Grosser, Ph.D.
Steve and Frosene Zeis Professor, Assistant Professor of Biology
Office: 312 Zeis Hall
Phone: 255-7131
Email: mgrosser@unca.edu
Advising Focus:
- General Pre-Health Professions Advising
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- UNC Eshelman Early Assurance
Office Hours:
Monday – 3:00 to 4:30pm (might be in the lab, Zeis 224)
Thursday – 1:30 to 2:30pm, by appointment only
Rebecca Hale, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology; Interim Director of Undergraduate Research
Office: 304 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5148
Email: rhale@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Thursday 7:00 am – 11:00 am
Ted Meigs, Ph.D.
GlaxoSmithKline Distinguished Professor, Professor of Biology
Office: 305 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5155
Email: tmeigs@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday – By Email Request
Wednesday – By Email Request
Thursday – 1 to 3 p.m.
Chris Nicolay, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Office: 314 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5149
Email: cnicolay@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Wednesday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Friday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
R. Graham Reynolds, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology, Faculty Fellow for Community Partnerships, Interim Chief Research Officer
Office: 311 Zeis Hall
Email: greynold@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Office Hours by Appointment
Jennifer Rhode Ward, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
Office: 307 Zeis Hall
Phone: 251-6232
Email: jrward@unca.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Matthew Greene, Ph.D.
Laboratory Manager
Office: 315 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5156
Email: mgreene3@unca.edu
Jonathan Horton, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Biology
Office: 303 Zeis Hall
Phone: 232-5152
Email: jhorton@unca.edu
Ready for what's next?
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina Asheville and prepare for a successful career in healthcare, research, environmental science, biotechnology, education, and beyond.