Biology is the fundamental study of life and living systems. It is a field that is interdisciplinary by nature and constantly evolving. The educational goals of our curriculum are to foster student excitement about biology and promote science, as a process and way of knowing, not merely content knowledge. We offer a strong foundation in biology to prepare for diverse and successful careers and to enrich our students’ lifelong engagement with the world in all its diversity and complexity.
New NSF grant supporting research of Savannah sparrow songs
William Dwight Whitney Professor of Biology Heather Williams and Associate Professor of Mathematics Julie Blackwood have received a three-year National Science Foundation grant to support their research into the cultural evolution of Savannah sparrow songs, including how learning and improvisation can result in both change and stability within the songs of a population.
Gill Lab receives NSF award; continues research in Hopkins Memorial Forest
The Gill lab recently received a National Science Foundation grant to investigate how soil nitrogen supply influences the formation and protection of soil carbon in forests. The group will use stable isotopes to track the movement of decomposing plant material into different soil carbon fractions, and identify the microbial and biogeochemical processes that influence carbon retention and turnover. The funding will support research experiences for Williams students and new instrumentation for the lab. We are also excited to welcome a new research technician to support the lab in September! Many thanks to the awesome Williams Biology students who laid the groundwork for this project – Patrick Hodgson ’22, Aaron Stanton ’22, Angela Hsuan Chen ’23, Molly Fraser ’23, Maddie Annis ’23, Katharine Cook ’24, Dan Lee ’24, Joanie Cha ’24, Diya Pandey ’25, Parker Hartnett ’25, and Ariana Oppenheimer ’26.
Professor Joan Edwards Receives National Teaching Award
The Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award is given annually by the Botanical Society of America to recognize an individual whose work has impacted botanical education at a regional, national and/or international level. This year the award went to Dr. Joan Edwards, of Williams College. The citation reads:
During the past five decades, Joan Edwards’ career has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of botanists and environmental stewards. Through her innovative teaching methods, she has instilled a sense of curiosity and wonder in countless students. As one of her nominators pointed out, “Very few faculty members at any higher education institution have the stamina to remain in their position this long, and even fewer do so while not only maintaining their teaching and research standards, but continuing to pioneer and adjust to changes in technology, student needs, and pedagogical understanding in the way that Dr. Edwards has.”
Her courses, such as Field Botany and Conservation Biology, have served as catalysts for intellectual growth, fostering interdisciplinary exploration and hands-on research experiences. Dr. Edwards has remained dedication to student-centered research, teaching the value of observation, curiosity, interconnection, integration, and that the unexpected is always interesting. She has cultivated a collaborative environment where students are empowered to make meaningful contributions to the field. One of her former students stated, “Joan’s ability to convey the excitement and wonder of biological phenomena and then make the underlying concepts, (whether physical, molecular, developmental, ecological, or evolutionary) seem simple and accessible to all of her students is the core of her approach to teaching.”
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Edwards’ outreach efforts transcend boundaries, engaging with the broader community to foster conservation efforts and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Dr. Joan Edwards epitomizes the essence of excellence in botanical teaching, embodying a profound passion for plants and a steadfast dedication to inspiring future generations of botanical enthusiasts.