Love and Biology

Last year, the Biology Department held a special event titled “Love and Biology” in Dundon-Berchtold Hall, organized by Dr. Glenna Clifton with support from fellow faculty members. The event featured five short talks exploring the science of love, delivered by Dr. Clifton, Dr. Laura Dyer, Dr. Molly Matty, Dr. David Wynne, and Dr. Ryan Kenton. There were around 90 attendees, many of whom were community members new to the University of Portland.

According to the Biology Department Events like these are crucial for connecting the Portland community to UP and showcasing the incredible expertise of our faculty. It is great to see attendees—both students and local residents—engage in conversations about science and the work being done in our department.

The topics covered ranged from the anatomy of heartstrings to the “dancing” of chromosomes during meiosis and even the influence of gut bacteria on reproductive behaviors. Dr. Laura Dyer revealed the anatomical truth behind sayings like “tugging on my heartstrings,” while others discussed how certain bacteria can affect mating behavior in fruit flies, and much more, demonstrating that biology can be both
informative and funny.

By hosting events like “Love and Biology,” we hope to draw more community members to campus, highlight our faculty’s knowledge in an engaging way, and build a stronger connection between faculty and students within the department. Although no new events are scheduled yet, the biology department is exploring ideas for the future—perhaps a Halloween or winter-themed gathering. Stay tuned for updates!

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