The world is changing fast in the wildlife kingdom and we need to be able to help wildlife thrive in their natural habitat. We couldn’t do this without the help of wildlife biologist and zoologist. These professionals study the characteristics and behavior of animals – gaining a better understanding of how they interact with each other and their environments. Through breeding programs, informational presentations, and collecting and analyzing biological specimens, zoologists and wildlife biologists work on the front lines of the effort to preserve our planet’s biodiversity.
Did you know there are more than 10,000 different grape varieties? That means thousands of unique tastes, colors, and potential uses. Viticulturists are experts in the growing of grapes – working to ensure vineyards deliver the quality and quantity of grapes required to meet demand for beverage and food production. Often the head of operations, viticulturists are responsible for all portions of the grape growing process, including soil preparation, pest and disease control, irrigation and proper harvesting.
Veterinary pathologists diagnose diseases by going straight to the source—they examine animal tissues and body fluids. Veterinary pathology is divided into two branches: anatomical pathology (examination of organs, tissues and bodies) and clinical pathology (examination and urine and blood). This isn’t for the faint of heart—veterinary pathologists are the crux of sustaining animal health.
Centuries ago, ears of corn were less than an inch long and only produced about ten hard kernels that tasted like dry, raw potatoes. The corn we grow and eat today is 100 times larger, with about 800 sweet and juicy kernels. The evolution from a tiny, tasteless crop to a flavorful food staple is the work of plant geneticists. By selectively breeding crops based on desirable qualities – such as yield, flavor, size and nutrient value – plant geneticists improve and create new varieties of crops and plants.
A plant biologist knows plants and their life cycle better than they know themselves. They use that knowledge to maximize, protect and manage crops and agricultural plants and trees. Starting from the root—literally, with expertise in soil and pests—plant biologists research the perfect conditions for plants to thrive in. Because of their research, farmers make the most of their yearly crop to feed the world.
Ever wondered how DNA was discovered? That was the work of a molecular and cellular biologist! These scientists study cells’ interaction and their diverse functionality to discover what fuels and sustains life. Their research is applied across many areas—including genetically engineering new crops, applying DNA-based technology for animal breeding, addressing environmental health and so much more.
No detail is too small for a microbiologist; they’re experts on microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and algae. But they don’t stop at the nitty gritty—they take their knowledge of these microscopic creatures to see the bigger picture. With this greater understanding, microbiologists can change the world.
Have you ever seen a map displaying where influenza outbreaks are located during flu season? That’s the work of a bioinformatics scientist! Complex scientific research yields vast amounts of valuable data – but how is all that data managed and shared? Bioinformatics scientists design computer tools and databases for processing and analyzing the resulting data to ensure that the information obtained is able to be interpreted and shared, paving the way for new discoveries across the globe.
Computational biologists use data and experimentation to construct models of complex biological systems and processes—all with the intent to make new discoveries about how living things function. These scientists identify and challenge assumptions, innovate and test solutions, changing the way we understand the world around us.
Are you curious about the world around you and excel at solving problems using math and biology? You may have what it takes to be a biostatistician. A biostatistician is someone who uses mathematics and statistics to explore and solve problems in biology. They design experiments in the fields of agriculture, environment and human healthcare to solve problems that will make life better for us all.
We live on a truly miraculous planet – the perfect combination of breathable air, liquid water and the only known home to living organisms. Biologists study Earth’s life in all its forms, from bacteria to horses and everything in between. They seek to understand how living things came to exist, how they function, what they do, and how they’re impacted by external factors. Because of biologists, we have a better understanding of the planet we call home.
Biological technicians are the glue that holds the lab together. Acting as assistants to scientists and biologists, they carry out a variety of tasks – preparing specimens, assisting with experiments and compiling data.
How can we grow crops that resist disease, withstand droughts or yield larger produce? Bioengineers solve issues like these by enhancing or augmenting biological processes. This may mean working to develop a transgenic papaya that resists the ringspot virus, a strain of cotton plant that is able to tolerate herbicides or a type of popcorn that produces more kernels. In this way, bioengineers help improve the productivity of crops used for food, fiber and fuel.
Comparing biochemists to biophysicists is like comparing apples to oranges – or actually – atoms to molecules. Biochemists study molecular functions, such as how cells metabolize chemical compounds, like food and medicine. Biophysicists focus on atomic functions, and how the laws of physics affect biology, like the effect of zero gravity on plants and animals.
The existence of water, and the life that it supports, makes our planet unique. Aquatic scientists often work in interdisciplinary teams to conduct research that monitors and studies the overall health and behavior of both plant and animal life in aquatic ecosystems. This research often uncovers exciting discoveries the pull back the curtain on many unknowns about life under that water’s surface. By understanding aquatic life, aquatic scientists are able to preserve our vital resources for generations to come.
If you are solutions-focused with a passion for animals, a career as an animal scientist could be a great fit for you. They research genetics, nutrition, growth, development and reproduction of domestic livestock and companion animals to better animal quality of life and well-being.
How are living things impacted by environmental pollutants? How is food converted into energy? Biochemistry programs study the chemical reactions, processes and components of living things – such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, fertilization, protein structure and neural processes. Graduates of these programs can pursue careers in a variety of industries, including the agricultural, medical, industrial, governmental and environmental fields.
Cognitive science is the scientific study of the human mind. This is a highly interdisciplinary field—introducing and combining ideas and principles from psychology, computer science, neuroscience and linguistics. Human brain cognition provides an excellent framework for the development of advanced machines and programs, making this field especially beneficial for the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) efforts. Students pursuing this degree will explore intellectual abilities and processes; learning how they can be applied to develop intelligent devices such as AI, robotics and large-scale computational systems.
The area of biochemistry and molecular biology exists at the intersection of biology and chemistry—arguably one of the most cutting-edge and influential current areas of science. Biochemistry and molecular biology programs introduce students to the chemistry of living organisms and techniques used to analyze the composition and function of biomolecules. Graduates may pursue careers in the medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural research and chemical industries.
The field of biotechnology focuses on the intersection of biology and technology–leading to new products that are designed to enrich lives, ease day-to-day life and support healthier living. Early biotechnological advances included selective breeding and hybridization to create the fruits and vegetables we’re familiar with today. Currently, students pursuing biotechnology degrees will learn to explore and manipulate living organisms for the purpose of invention and/or improving products. From vaccine production to genetic modification and tissue culture, biotechnology is everywhere.
Biomedical engineering students can look forward to careers that enhance and advance healthcare – from diagnosis and treatment, to equipment and product development. The field of biomedical engineering connects the knowledge of biology, engineering and mathematical principles to understand and apply solutions in biological and health systems. Students will focus on concepts including body motion, body tissues and the transportation of matter across cell membranes.
Are you torn between pursuing a career in either math or science? You don’t have to choose— Biomathematics programs combine mathematics, biological science, chemistry and data science to equip graduates with analytical thinking skills and computational tools to solve real-world problems. Within this degree path, areas of research include bioinformatics, calculus, probability, chemistry, physics, biology, biostatistics and genetics.
From bacteria to blue whales, it’s easy to marvel at the vast diversity of living organisms across the planet. Students of biology study living organisms and their interactions with the environment—from molecular to environmental—genetics to zoology. There are a variety of concentrations and specializations available, enabling graduates to pursue careers in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, education, healthcare, research and the environment.
Students of agricultural and biological engineering programs can look forward to pursuing careers as innovators and visionaries–solving problems related to food production, energy, ecology, healthcare, natural resources, botany, animal care and much more. Degree coursework centers around the engineering of biological materials; areas of study may include fluid power, natural resource conservation, food and pharmaceutical production.
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