Mission Statement

The Department's mission is to discover and advance knowledge in the biological sciences through discovery, innovation, and education. We strive to equip students with the skills to make evidence-based decisions and address complex biological and related challenges. We are committed to sharing knowledge with the USU community and the public while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment that nurtures curiosity and promotes the joy of scientific inquiry for all.

Goals

• Offer comprehensive core research, teaching, and extension programs leading to successful degree and certification outcomes.
• Prepare undergraduate and graduate students for a diversity of career paths in basic and applied science.
• Foster classroom, research, and teaching experiences that facilitate growth in knowledge, skills, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
• Provide a rigorous program of graduate training at both the Master and Doctoral levels. Provide opportunities for graduate students to engage in meaningful research, teaching, professional development, and service endeavors.
• Regularly establish new and assess existing departmental initiatives, procedures, and policies based on evidence-based practices.
• Engage, recruit, and retain a diverse community of students, scholars, and staff by fostering an inclusive environment and improving equity within the department, university, and broader communities.
• Enhance opportunities for faculty, staff, and student scholarship, research, development, and collaboration.