Clubs and Organizations of the Department of Biology

WVSU is home to the Beta chapter of Beta Kappa Chi (BKX). This national scientific honorary encourages advancement of scientific education through original investigation, and promotes scholarship in the pure and applied sciences. To be eligible for membership, undergraduate students must have completed at least seventeen (17) semester hours in one of the five subjects recognized by BKX (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology), with at least a 3.0 average, and have completed at least sixty-four (64) semester hours with an overall 3.0 average. Graduate students are eligible if they have completed at least fifteen (15) semester hours in one of the sciences recognized by the Society with a GPA of 4.0 in at least 1/3 of the hours and at least a 3.0 in the remaining 2/3 semester hours. 
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tim Ruhnke, Professor of Biology, 101 Hamblin Hall.

Phone (304) 766-3210. Email: ruhnketr@wvstateu.edu

“The DNA Club” is a student-run and thoroughly inclusive organization, thriving on the participation of all sectors of the WVSU community: undergraduate and graduate students of all majors, staff, faculty, alumni, friends and family members. DNA blends the educational with the social and recreational. Typical activities include camping, hik- ing, challenge bowling and softball matches, and purely social get-togethers. In recent years, fundraising events have included sales of home-made chili, DNA Club tee shirts, and greenhouse plants. One-third of all funds raised is set aside for philanthropic donations (e.g., “Toys for Tots”). DNA continues to cooperate with and support the Biology Department through such activities as an ongoing recycling effort and a “Taste of Hamblin” evening in support of the A.P. Hamblin Scholarship. The DNA Club continues to welcome new members, new ideas, and new plans for service to our department, university, and community.

The Honors Program at WVSU offers enriched academic opportunities for students with high academic achievements. This Program shall identify, recruit, and offer students’ academic challenges that enhance their skills and creativity. The Program will enable students to continue their pursuit of excellence. Applications are available on the WVSU website. For more information, contact Ginta Palubinskas​. Phone: (304) 766-3045. Email: gpalubinskas@wvstateu.edu

The Graduate Student Association of Biotechnology at WVSU acts to unify the research efforts of the graduate student body on a local, national, and international level meanwhile, promoting the concept of scholarly professionalism. Members of this organization strive to promote program awareness through the mentoring of young students, social activities, and research presentations. The goal of GSA is to build an active and effective relationship with faculty to promote advanced learning and resolute research opportunities. 
For more information, contact Dr. Richard Ford (304) 766-5742, fordri@wvstateu.edu, Hamblin Hall 101D