Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences News

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Students Connect with Industry Leaders to Explore “The Future of Work in the Age of AI”

East Texas A&M recently hosted its first Industry Connect event in partnership with the Paris Economic Development Corporation, giving students look at how leading companies are using artificial intelligence to transform the modern workplace.
A man with a scary bunny mask holding his hand out toward the camera.

Haunted Hayride and Fall Social Brings Spooky Fun to Twin Oaks Farm

ETAMU's Twin Oaks Farm was turned into a scene straight out of a Halloween movie when university wildlife and agricultural students hosted its first-ever Haunted Hayride.
Two young women and a man wading through creek water with nets in their hands.

From Classroom to Creek: East Texas A&M Students Study Elusive Painted Crayfish

Students lead research into rare painted crayfish, gaining experience in conservation and highlighting the university’s commitment to discovery.

Snakes and Conan the Barbarian: Unique Topics at East Texas A&M Lion’s Lecture

On April 22, attendees at the atrium of the Nursing and Health Sciences Building were treated to two equally fascinating Lion’s Lectures, one discussing snakes and the other covering Texas author Robert E. Howard.

Saving the Quail: The Lyon Center for Gamebird Research at East Texas A&M is Restoring a Valuable Texas Resource

The Lyon Center for Gamebird Research at East Texas A&M University is poised to tackle the gamebird population crisis head-on.
A research assistant carefully holds a quail, wearing blue gloves for a gentle and secure grip.

Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research Highlighted in Premier Conservation Journal

The Quail Forever Journal article highlights the Lyon Center’s efforts to secure sustainable game bird populations in Texas and beyond.

Renowned A&M-Commerce Quail Professor Quoted in Texas Monthly

Dr. Kelly Reyna provided insight on efforts to save the popular gamebird.
A person in western wear featuring a vest with the logo for Texas A&M University-Commerce

Three Lions Qualify for College National Finals Rodeo

Following another successful season, three members of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Rodeo Team qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) this summer. A&M-Commerce student-athletes Rylee George, Addie Weil and Kaden Profili all ranked high enough in the National Intercollegiate…
Several students and symposium attendees view research project posters.

Showcasing Scholarship: Highlights from TAMUC’s Annual Research Symposium

TAMUC students present innovative research projects to the university community and industry leaders. Texas A&M University-Commerce hosted its Annual Research Symposium on April 17, 2024, at the university's Rayburn Student Center. The symposium showcased undergraduate and graduate research projects, providing…
A woman speaks at a podium in the background, with an arrangement of sunflowers next to her. In the forefront, several ceremonial shovels with white hard hats labeled "Texas A&M University - Commerce" are arranged.

Texas A&M-Commerce Breaks Ground on New Agricultural Multipurpose Center, Gamebird Research Center

Texas A&M University-Commerce conducted a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, March 18 to begin construction of a new Agricultural Multipurpose Education & Training Center and a gamebird research center, both located on State Highway 24 south of Commerce. The $45 million,…
A college student demonstrates a balance bird.

A&M-Commerce Students Dazzle, Inspire at Dallas ISD STEM Expo

Multiple student organizations representing the College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) at Texas A&M University-Commerce dazzled nearly a thousand Dallas ISD students and their families at this year's Dallas ISD STEM Expo. A Dallas ISD student peers into a microscope…
Two men wearing western hats pose together for a photo.

TAMUC’s ‘Quail Professor’ Discusses Sustainable Quail on Upland Nation Podcast

Dr. Kelly Reyna, associate professor and director of the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is featured on a recent episode of the Upland Nation podcast. In the episode, Reyna and host Scott Linden…
A man holds a newly hatched quail toward the viewer.

TAMUC Professor Discusses­ University’s Quail Repopulation Efforts in Article

A&M-Commerce associate professor Dr. Kelly Reyna is featured in an article by the Tyler (TX) Morning Telegraph, where he discusses the critical issue of declining quail populations in Texas and across the country. The Ted and Donna Lyon Center for…
Bjorn Schmidt, Ph.D.

A&M-Commerce Researcher Joins East Texas Conservation Project

A&M-Commerce assistant professor of biology Dr. Bjorn Schmidt secured a grant for $20,240.52 to participate in a collaborative research project between Texas Parks & Wildlife and Stephen F. Austin University. The joint venture will investigate the distribution of several rare…
Student looking into Biological Microscope

A&M-Commerce Researchers Publish Pioneering Cell Biology Article

Researchers from A&M-Commerce and Texas Woman's University (TWU) have uncovered new information about how G1P3/IFI6, a gene of the human immune system, promotes cancer cell growth. The current study found that IFI6 increases the recruitment of certain cell parts, called…
Sarah Underwood poses in a professional headshot.

A&M-Commerce Student Vying to Become the Next Miss Texas USA

Texas A&M University-Commerce student Sarah Underwood, who hails from Winnsboro, Texas, has participated in beauty pageants since the age of two months. As the current Miss Northeast Texas USA, she hopes to earn her greatest title yet when she competes…
A quail emerges from its shell.

Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research Planned for Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce will soon be home to an innovative gamebird research and education facility, thanks to a historic gift from alumnus Ted B. Lyon and his wife, Donna. Construction of the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research…
A field researcher watches as a quail takes flight into the wild.

TAMUC Leads Quail Research and Collaborative Restoration Efforts

A&M-Commerce Associate Professor Kelly Reyna presented at the Texas House Sportsman’s Caucus in Austin on March 20 about the state’s declining quail population and the university’s ambitious Texas Quail Restoration Plan. Reyna and university representatives—including President Mark Rudin, College of…
Two students pose side-by-side with their award certificates.

A&M-Commerce Students Earn Top Marks at Regional Research Forum

Students representing the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at A&M-Commerce presented at the 8th Annual LSUS Regional Student Scholars Forum at Louisiana State University Shreveport on Feb. 17. From left: A&M-Commerce students Trinity Campbell and Mickilee Ver Steeg. Trinity…

TAMUC Alumna Recognized for Service to Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) recently recognized Mrs. Faye Branch Williams for her dedicated support to the organization’s Code Enforcement Officer Program. Throughout her career, Williams has served as a code enforcement officer, a supervisor and an…
Three people are outdoors in a field with bright blue skies, releasing several quails into the air.

A&M-Commerce Researchers Publish Groundbreaking Record of Quail Chick Development

A quail research team at Texas A&M University-Commerce has published the first record of California valley quail chick development. Their research, published in the journal PLOS ONE, will accelerate new opportunities for quail management and conservation. Kelly Reyna, Ph.D., is…
Three people are smiling and standing outside. The person in the center, wearing an orange shirt and hat, is holding a small bird with a prominent plume on its head. The person to the left is wearing a light pink shirt, and the person to the right is wearing a beige shirt and cap.

TAMUC Looking to Revolutionize Gamebird Research at New Ag Facility

Texas A&M University-Commerce is poised to become a national leader in gamebird research with the future completion of the proposed agricultural education complex. Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp expressed optimism for the potential of the complex's facilities that…
The new lion statue in front of the Rayburn Student center.

TAMUC Alum Hired to Address Health Disparities in Arkansas

The Arkansas Pharmacists Association recently named A&M-Commerce alum Marlene Battle, Pharm.D., as its new health equity coordinator. The organization created the position to tackle health disparities in the state exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Battle earned a Master of Science…

A&M-Commerce Alum Honored By Texas Legislature

Dr. Jim Richey, who received his bachelor's, master's and doctorate from A&M-Commerce, was honored by the Texas Legislature for over 20 years of teaching excellence in Texas. State Representative Cole Hefner submitted Texas Resolution #1391 to recognize Richey. Richey currently…
Diksha Shakya

TAMUC Biology Undergrad Selected for Summer Research Program

Diksha Shakya, an undergraduate biology student at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is set to attend the Developing and Readying Underrepresented Minority Researchers (DRUMR) program this summer at Texas A&M University's College of Medicine in College Station, Texas. Funded by a grant…
East Texas A&M Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences

A&M-Commerce Biology Department Receives Continued Funding for JAMP Program

The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at Texas A&M University-Commerce received grant funding as part of the university's ongoing affiliation with the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP). JAMP is a partnership between 11 medical schools in Texas and 70…

Lauren Smith: A Student’s Journey To Becoming a Physician

Lauren Smith is a self-proclaimed non-traditional student. The senior biology major at A&M-Commerce had a prior career as a fire investigator, but she returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor of osteopathy. When she opens her…
Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library

College of Science and Engineering Students Win Big at 16th Annual Pathways Student Research Symposium

Four students from the College of Science and Engineering came home with top finishes at The Texas A&M University System’s 16th Annual TAMUS Pathways Research Symposium, hosted on the campus of Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas, on November 7-8, 2019.

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Selected For 2019-2020 Faculty Senate Awards

Several faculty members from the College of Science and Engineering have been selected for recognition by the A&M-Commerce Faculty Senate. Dr. Allan Headley in the Department of Chemistry received the William L. Mayo Professorship Award, which recognizes individuals who epitomize…

A&M-Commerce Celebrates 20-Year Partnership with Navarro College

A&M-Commerce and Navarro College commemorated their 20-year partnership on November 14 with an anniversary celebration in Corsicana, Texas. The Navarro Partnership – Corsicana allows students to earn bachelor's or master's degrees through A&M-Commerce at Navarro College. The partnership makes quality…
A male donor is presented with a football. He is between two other staff members from A&M-Commerce.

Lion Alum Attends 60th Homecoming at A&M-Commerce

Mr. Rene Griffin may hold a record for the most consecutive homecoming games attended by an alumnus. This year, Griffin celebrated his 60th consecutive homecoming celebration. “I feel I have a very unique relationship with the university, having grown up…

A&M-Commerce Professor Visits D.C. to Advocate for Science Community

Dr. Carlos Bertulani, professor of physics & astronomy, attended the 2019 Congressional Visits Day (CVD) in Washington, D.C., to represent the American Physical Society (APS) as a unit leader for Texas. During the visits, APS unit leaders and volunteers advocated…
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