GW Monogram

Department of Biological Sciences

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

November 2025 Newsletter

November Newsletter: Biology Department in Action - Dr. Smith's Insect Ecology Lab had a great field trip to Little Bennett Regional Park to collect aquatic insects and use them to assess water quality of the stream with experts from Nature Forward. TA for the laboratory - Grad student : Aline Oliveira. A plant sale will be held in the Harlan Greenhouse on October 24th.
Harlan Poster Contest Winners: Undergraduate runner-up was Elizabeth Berganza-Solis, Zhang lab. Undergraduate winner was Jordan Cassily, Martin lab. Graduate runner-up was Paaramitha Warushavithana, Lazetic lab. Graduate winner was Jasmine D. Alqassar, Martin Lab
Harlan Poster Session: Special thanks to the guest judges for their time! Dr. Lisa Philander, Deputy Executive Director of the US Botanic Garden Dr. Harshul Pandit, Director of Neuroscience MIC at Georgetown University Dr. Ted Schultz, Curator of Hymenoptera at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Dr. Aduse-Poku Kwaku, Assistant Professor of Biology at Howard University. Great work everyone!
Latest updates in the department: Dr. Lill was interviewed about the invasive spotted lantern flies seen all over campus and DC. A department that roasts together stays together - Thank you to Jim and Cathy for hosting our annual Sheep Roast and Vegan Paella party! Check out the new Harlan Lounge in Bell 308 and Weintraub Conference Room in Bell 302!
The BGSC Board: Ari Zakroff - President. Pia Sen - Financial Officer. Jasmine Alqassar - Faculty Liaison. Pooja Anilkumar - Seminar Speaker Coordinator. Elise McKean - DEI Representative. Lola Freeman - Union Representative. Tori Gabor - Bell Hall Representative. Arash Raeisbahrami - SEH Representative. Juan Martinez - Social Coordinator. Coralis Acevedo-Vargas - Social Coordinator.
Upcoming Events: Upcoming seminar dates. November Cookie Swap. Upcoming panel: How to win International Fellowships for current PhD students and postdocs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Listen to the full interview with Dr. Lill