A Message From The Chair
Kerry S. Bloom
Thad L. Beyle Distinguished Professor and Chair of Biology
The Biology Department at UNC-Chapel Hill consists of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research associates, and graduate students who are engaged in teaching and research spanning the full spectrum of contemporary life sciences, from genomics and molecular biology, to ecosystems and the biology of climate change. The breadth of our approach distinguishes the Biology Department at UNC-Chapel Hill from many biology departments across the country, which focus on one or more of the recognized sub-disciplines of Biology. Our faculty believe that interdisciplinary research and innovation are best achieved in a setting in which scholars with different areas of expertise are encouraged to interact. The synergism that arises from different research approaches and perspectives is, we believe, indispensible to solving the most difficult scientific, health, and environmental problems in the 21st century.
We are proud to be one of UNC’s top departments and attribute our success to the quality of our faculty, their deep commitment to research, scholarship and teaching.
I started my first (and only) job at UNC-CH in 1982. I feel very fortunate to have had the support of wonderful colleagues, including faculty, staff and students, through my formative years as a scientist. A major reason for accepting an administrative position is my gratitude to the department and opportunity to foster the development of new and current faculty, staff and students.
We revel in the revolution that biological sciences has enjoyed in the past decade. Advances in genomics, microscopy, neuroscience, and plant and animal microbiomes, to name a few, have literally changed the practice of our profession. As a consequence, we face significant challenges in preparing students with tools required for the next generation. I’m excited for the opportunity to connect biology with areas throughout campus and the UNC School of Medicine to prepare our students to face this brave new world. I look forward to sharing this and other news as we transform traditional boundaries into new modalities consonant with new challenges. Thank you for your continued interest as we look ahead to new programs that, with your support, will help us reach our goals.
Office: 206 Coker Hall
Office Phone: 919-962-8321
Lab: 623 Fordham Hall
Lab Phone: 919-962-2363