2025 Biology Research Day
Thursday May 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rankin Science Building (572 Rivers St, Boone, NC 28608)
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Department of Biology will host its annual Research Day on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in the Rankin Science Building located at 572 Rivers Street in Boone.
The day will kick off with research presentations by over 55 biology undergraduate and graduate students. Topics span molecular biology, ecology, evolution, physiology, microbiology, conservation and more. The first poster session will begin at 9 a.m. in the Rankin Science South Atrium, followed by lightning talk sessions at 10 a.m. in Rankin Science West Rooms 156 and 158. A second poster session, also in the Rankin Science South Atrium, will begin at 10:30 a.m.
At Noon, the inaugural Department of Biology Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Dr. Mary Jane Carmichael ’12 will give a keynote address in Rankin Science West 183. Dr. Carmichael is an assistant professor of biology and environmental studies at Hollins University. As a microbial ecologist turned biogeochemist, Carmichael is interested in the direct and indirect links between above and below ground processes.
Carmichael is an alumna of App State, earning her M.S. in Biology in 2012. As a graduate student, she earned the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies’ Outstanding Thesis Award and co-authored five scientific papers. Her thesis, advised by Dr. Suzanna Bräuer, explored the geomicrobiology of ferromanganese deposits in caves of the upper Tennessee River Basin. After graduating from App State, Carmichael completed her Ph.D. in Biology at Wake Forest University. She joined the faculty at Hollins University in 2017.
Carmichael's address, titled "From Manganese to Methane: Biogeochemistry from the Mountains to the Sea," will highlight her research journey, from fieldwork to lab discoveries, and reflect on the opportunities and challenges of a career in biology.
The day will wrap up with a senior awards ceremony and reception that is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the Department of Biology.
The research presentations and keynote address are free and open to the public. For a disability accommodation, visit odr.appstate.edu. To allow the Department of Biology to prepare, attendees are asked to RSVP in advance using this form.
Paid visitor parking is available in the Rivers Street Parking Deck for vehicles registered with the ParkMobile app. For more information about visitor parking, see parking.appstate.edu/visitor-parking.
For details, including a schedule and program, visit biology.appstate.edu/news-events/biology-research-day. Questions about Biology Research Day can be directed to the event co-organizers: Dr. Ashley Adams (adamsea1@appstate.edu) and Dr. Todd Stincic (stincictl@appstate.edu).
The Department of Biology thanks the following local businesses for their support of the event: FizzEd, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Wildwood Community Market, Appalachia Cookie Company, Drip Coffee Bar, Stick Boy Bread Company and Lily's Snack Bar.
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About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more at cas.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at biology.appstate.edu.
The Appalachian State University Department of Biology Presents Research Day on May 1, 2025.
The Appalachian State University Department of Biology Presents Research Day on May 1, 2025.