What a Year (or Two) for Michigan Tech’s Department of Biological Sciences
The past year and a half has been tumultuous for everyone, but the faculty, staff, and students at Michigan Tech’s Department of Biological Sciences have persevered through it all. In this semi-annual report covering Spring 2020 to Fall 2022, we share some highlights of our ongoing activities and exciting accomplishments.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit just as we were entering the spring semester in 2020. Professor and Chair Dr. Chandrashekhar Joshi was in New Zealand when news broke of the possible pandemic. He immediately returned home, and within weeks, Michigan Tech transitioned to virtual education mode. The faculty quickly adapted to this new mode of teaching in about a week, with lectures and remote labs up and running without seriously impacting our educational mission.
The semesters that followed were not without their challenges, but we managed to weather this unprecedented storm. Research labs were closed for over a semester in 2020 due to safety concerns, but research picked up quickly once they reopened. In total, our department contributed more than $9.9 million in funding during this term and published over 90 peer-reviewed publications.
One unique undertaking during this time was setting up a COVID-19 testing lab on campus. The Biology department played an instrumental role in its establishment, contributing expertise and resources towards ensuring that students could safely return to campus.
Despite these challenges, our teaching mission remained as strong as ever. Faculty members earned accolades at both state and university levels for their exceptional work during these trying times.
Yet to academic achievements, the department underwent significant renovations to research labs and teaching facilities which are now ready for use by students.
We welcome alumni back to campus anytime! If you’re interested in seeing what we’ve accomplished or simply catching up with old friends from your days here at Michigan Tech’s Department of Biological Sciences please reach out to us. You can contact Dr. Chandrashekhar Joshi at cpjoshi@mtu.edu or 906-487-2738.
It is confirmed that, it has been a challenging but productive year for Michigan Tech’s Department of Biological Sciences. The faculty, staff, and students have adapted to the new normal of virtual education mode and continued their research endeavors while contributing significantly towards fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, our teaching mission remained strong, with faculty members earning accolades at both state and university levels for their exceptional work during these trying times.
