Whatever your scientific interests, be ready to hit the ground running in the Department of Biology and Earth Science.

Department of Biology & Earth Science

Be ready to hit the ground running in the Biology and Earth Science department! We offer a rigorous curriculum that provides a strong foundation in the sciences, while preparing students for a variety of exciting postgraduate endeavors, including employment and graduate or professional school. From the very first year, students are actively engaged in the classroom, laboratory, and field as they take classes in each of the diverse areas offered by the department:

To keep up with the latest news in the Department of Biology, check out our newsletter, Lifeline, at the Otterbein Digital Commons.

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From painting with bacteria to microscopic pop art—explore a gallery of scientific artwork created by Otterbein's STEM community.

Would you like to view this gallery on your computer or tablet? Download it as an interactive slideshow (220 MB)

Student, Faculty, & Alumni Spotlights

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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Dr. Bennett has been very important in shaping my academic experience — the opportunity to join her lab, help with the path to medical school and she helped me get a poster presentation accepted at the ASM Microbe conference.

John Peck ‘21

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
John’s learned that “no task is too great if you’re willing to work hard and surround yourself with the right people.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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Otterbein has not only prepared me academically for the rigor of medical school, but has taught and stretched me in what is more important than a GPA: service. Otterbein has given me tools to meet people where they are.

Megan McClain ’21

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Calling Otterbein a safe and supportive environment, Megan says “Otterbein focuses on not just making a great student, but a great person.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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Otterbein is preparing me to take my next steps by providing me with world-class internship opportunities that are furthering my career in meaningful ways. Only at Otterbein have I been able to branch out from my major with the flexibility to discover and explore new passions.

Aidan Tansey ’22

Zoo & Conservation Science
Aidan says Otterbein’s real world skills, professional experiences and networking opportunities make it hard to imagine going anywhere else.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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The support from faculty, my peers, and the university has given me the confidence to travel to places ranging from Thailand to North Dakota to develop my career while working to solve real-world problems.

Abbey Dunn ’19

Biology, Environmental Science, Zoo & Conservation Science Triple Major
Otterbein has helped me grow into the young professional I am today. I am so grateful to call Otterbein my alma mater!

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You will have the opportunity to join research projects as early as your first year at Otterbein and may also present your work at a national conference or publish it in a peer-reviewed journal.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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Mindful connections in a community of Otterbein peers and integrative studies fostered Mina Makary’s creative growth by teaching him different ways to think. Dr. Makary continues to honor what he learned at Otterbein by utilizing “outside of the box” thinking and creative skills as an interventional radiologist, where medical imaging is used to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures that diagnose, treat and cure many kinds of conditions.​

Mina Makary ’09, MD, DABR

Learn more about this 2020 Otterbein Alumni Research Achievement Award Winner >

Mina Makary

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

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I really value the close, personal relationships that I’m able to have with my students. A critical aspect of my teaching happens outside the classroom when I collaboratively work with students both in the lab and field on undergraduate theses.

Dr. Sarah Bouchard, Professor

2020 Otterbein Teacher of the Year

Learn more about Otterbein’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, Dr. Bouchard and her work as a physiological ecologist and researcher. >

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

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Congratulations to Professor Casey J. Tucker for receiving the 2020 Teaching in General Education award at Otterbein University.

Dr. Casey J. Tucker, Adjunct Faculty

Learn more about Dr. Tucker’s thoughts as an educator who considers himself a door-opener to help students fulfill their own goals. >

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

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Connecting with students is energizing. Conducting and publishing research keeps me fresh. Seeing the surprise and questions that students have when engaging with new findings that challenge what they’ve learned so far keeps me inspired to keep the cycle going.

Brandon Sinn, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology and Earth Science

2022-2023 Otterbein New Teacher of the Year

Learn more about Brandon Sinn >

Department Features & Student Opportunities

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Scholarships

We believe in investing in talent — from research funding to travel support to scholarships that will fuel your discovery and learning.

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Facilities

Explore the state-of-the-art Science Complex and its 96,000 square feet of discipline-specific laboratories, research space and classrooms.

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Internships

You are encouraged to take advantage of Otterbein’s many connections and partnerships for professional internships that literally span the world.

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Biology Earth Science Student Research

Student Research

“Research helped me think critically and develop skills — it also taught me that life will always be a learning process.” What will you discover?

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Travel Opportunities

Student Organizations

Whether it’s a BMB Tea to chart Oreo flavors or traveling to offer global medical relief, we have many student organizations and other ways to get involved.

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Travel Experiences

Count the shark population off the coast of Africa. Explore the coral reefs and rainforests of Belize. Prepare medicine from local plants in Costa Rica.

Learn more >

Photograph of Towers Hall at Otterbein University.

National Media Recognize Otterbein University for Programs and Values


News - September 18, 2023
Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has…

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Otterbein Marching Band

Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape Otterbein’s Growth


News - July 31, 2023
Otterbein University is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by “crowd sourcing” ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by Otterbein faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. “This investment in Otterbein’s future demonstrates our trustees’ commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard…

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Madison Mccoy Science Center Background

Five Questions with Pre-Veterinary Junior Madison McCoy


News - December 2, 2022
Madison McCoy Name: Madison McCoyMajor: Biology (Pre-veterinary track)Minor: ChemistryClass year: 2024Hometown: Wooster, Ohio Why did you choose your major?  I chose biology for my major because I grew up on a farm, which is where my love for animals grew. I also always found it interesting when the veterinarians would come to my farm and help my animals whenever they would need a check-up or would have an issue. So I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian from a…

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Programs of Study in Biology & Earth Science

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B.A. or B.S.

Biology

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B.A. or B.S.

Zoo & Conservations Science Program: Aquarium Track

Biochemistry staff member combining solutions for a laboratory experiment

B.A. or B.S.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

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Minors

Biology & Earth Science

Bio Student In Field

B.A. or B.S.

Environmental Science

Pre Professional Health Studies

B.A. or B.S.

Pre-Professional Health Studies

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B.A. or B.S

Zoo & Conservation Science

Bio Student In Field 04

B.A.

Sustainability Studies

Our Institutional Partners

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (Name and Logo)
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Ohio Wildlife Center
Columbus Zoo

Contact Us

Science Center 236
155 W. Main St
Westerville, OH 43081

Administrative Assistant

Donna Rhodeback
614-823-1517
drhodeback@otterbein.edu

“Otterbein is so much more than the place where I received an education. It was there where I found a community that accepted me, friends that became family, and professors that inspired me to attend graduate school. I found myself at Otterbein, and that made all the difference.”

Troy Neptune ’17, Zoo and Conservation Science and Studio Art double-major