A Case for Support: The Department of Biological Sciences

“Biology”-the study of living organisms in search for an answer to the most profound question:  What is life?” At no time in the history of science has there been such a rapid and unrelenting pursuit and progress towards approaching an understanding of this most basics question; at no time in the history of science has the study of biology produced such significant discoveries; at no time in the history of science has the need for well educated, well trained and well disciplined biologists been greater.

Yet for all of the promise and potential that modern biology offers our society, the financial requirements inherent in preparing bright, highly motivated students through rigorous, comprehensive undergraduate and graduate academic programs create daunting challenges. Challenges are the dull side of the penny; opportunity exists on the penny’s bright side.  Private philanthropic support of the programs in the Department of Biology offers the means to meet the challenges and to take advantages of the opportunities available for our students who seek to study the biological science and our society which will be the beneficiary of their studies.

Each year alumni and friends who contribute to the Department of Biological Sciences help to build a strong foundation of student scholarships, faculty support and program development.  They create opportunities that cannot be realized through state and federal funding alone. The generosity of alumni and friends is crucial to the growth and evolution of UB’s Department of Biological Sciences.  It enables our students to have a rich and rewarding academic experience, learning from exceptional scholars and participating in premier research and academic programs. By providing support, donors positively influence the educational experience of thousands of students. Annual giving supports students and faculty by underwriting several initiatives:

Undergraduate Student Support:

Undergraduate Scholarships and Student Awards Undergraduate students at UB often face a gap between available resources and the cost of attending the University, even with financial aid.  Because they often face the most significant funding gap, lower-income students may be forced to work long hours off campus, which invariably impacts academic performance and prevents participation in enriching activities (e.g. research). Scholarships and awards may be established through endowment or annual support. In the case of annual support a minimum pledge of four years of support is recommended.

Undergraduate Research Funds provide crucial funding for exceptional students to conduct front-line research projects while they study for their Bachelors degree.  Through the mentored Undergraduate Fellowship Program, the Department of Biological Sciences seeks to better support the aspirations of students interested in science by providing financial support for their studies.  Promising students with demonstrated financial need are identified during the second semester of their freshman year, enrolled in a mentorship program and are engaged in research projects for the term of their studies at UB.

Graduate Student Support:

Graduate Student Fellowships provide financial aid for graduate students conducting research or teaching.  Graduate students at research universities provide invaluable support for research and teaching as they hone their skills for the future. Currently, the annual graduate student stipend at UB is nearly $4,000 less than at peer universities.  Support is needed to increase stipends to a more competitive level. Graduate fellowships may be established through endowment or annual support. In the case of annual support a minimum pledge of four years of support is recommended.

Faculty Support:

Giving Faculty Research Funds provides supplemental funding for the collection and analysis of research data. Visiting Scholar Funds allow for extended visits by distinguished national and international scholars. Lectureship Funds bring distinguished scholars to the Department for a series of lectures and to meet with faculty and students, a wonderful opportunity for the Department and the greater University community.

Equipment and Facility Improvement

Donors can support updating campus facilities, through the creation of endowed funds or annual support, to create a superior learning environment for our students and to provide the crucial upgrades of research equipment.  Facilities updates include construction of new buildings, enhancement of existing structures or renovating and equipping interior spaces in facilities.