School of Arts & Sciences

Department of Biology

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. School of Arts & Sciences
  4. Department of Biology

Welcome to the Department of Biology

The Department of Biology provides a rigorous program for academic instruction in the biological sciences for students from all socioeconomic levels of the population.  The program prepares students for graduate/professional programs and productive entry-level employment.

Our faculty and staff strive to:

  1. Provide students with a knowledge of biological principles so they may be able to understand these principles and their inter-relatedness within the context of current biological thinking.
  2. Recognize and prepare students for graduate work and research careers in biological science.
  3. Recognize and prepare students for careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health and allied health professions and teaching.
  4. Provide the education of students who major in biology, but desire to teach in secondary schools.
  5. Provide students with opportunities and experiences that may enable them to develop competency in oral and written communications of biological information using an acceptable scientific format.
  6. Provide knowledge and experiences in the biological sciences as a foundation for students who are pursuing other science majors.

Our students are moving on to graduate/professional programs or exciting employment opportunities in the field of research, medicine, zoology and much more.

Join The Pride to find your place in this growing field.

Contact

Dr. Anissa Evans
Chairperson/Professor
Department of Biology
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 North University Drive
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
870-575-7113
bucknera@uapb.edu

Biology Alumni

Christy Walker, MD, is a double board-certified physician specializing in Cosmetic Surgery and Gynecology. With a commitment to excellence in both aesthetic and women’s health care, Dr. Walker brings a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to her clinical practice.

Torrance Walker, MD, is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon with subspecialty certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. He provides advanced musculoskeletal care with a focus on injury prevention, surgical precision, and rehabilitation for athletes and active individuals.

Kristopher Stepps, MD, is a board-certified General Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to underserved rural communities across Arkansas.

Leah Rowe, Ph.D, serves as a Medical Laboratory Scientist II at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Melanie Frazier, PharmD, serves as a Pharmacy Specialist in PTSL Research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Na’Shall Castle is a trained microbiologist currently serving as an Industrial Quality Administrator at L’Oréal USA.

Kyron Parris currently serves as a Laboratory Technician at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He has been accepted into the Baylor College of Medicine – Texas Heart Institutes Cardiovascular Perfusion Program, where he will begin his studies in Fall 2026.

Asia Colen, DO, is a board-certified Family Medicine physician specializing in primary care.

OUR IMPACT

Research

As home to the university’s STEM Academy, our department facilitates local, regional, national and international research opportunities to explore research areas of interest. We’re also home to a newly renovated research facility.

Grants

Our faculty represents the university as a partner institution in a $6.1 million grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) focused on virology and virus ecology.

Scholarships

We’ve awarded over $30,000 annually in scholarship dollars to students studying in STEM fields.

Careers

Our students are employed with organizations such as Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Bristol Myers Squibb, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Degree Options

UAPB offers two degree paths for students studying the field of biology: the bachelor of science degree in biology and the bachelor of science in Education Life Science teaching option.