Resources and Opportunities
The Department of Biology is committed to supporting students through accessible resources and meaningful opportunities. This page features scholarships, student organizations, and services that foster learning, connection, and success.
Scholarships
Biology students should also visit Student Enrichment Opportunities (SEO) and College of Science & Engineering for more scholarship opportunities.
The James Duncan Award is awarded to students who demonstrate a passion for plants and provide funds for students to work in a research lab in the department for Summer 2026. The awardee will be paid $2500 for 12 hours a week, over a 9-week period.
Eligibility: For bachelor's or master's degree candidate, in any concentration in biology. Must be a full-time student having completed a minimum of 28 units required for the concentration.
Background: The James Duncan BioLuminary Award is restricted to students who demonstrate a passion for plants.
Purpose: The BioLuminaries Award provides funds for students to work in a research lab in the department during the summer.
Criteria:
- The applicant must be a bachelor’s or master’s degree candidate, in any concentration in biology.
- The student must be enrolled full-time in Spring 2026 and undergraduate applicants must have completed a minimum of 28 units required for the concentration.
- Students must be enrolled at SFSU for Fall 2026.
- Applications will be evaluated according to academic merit, ability to communicate research, and the impact of the award.
Requirements:
- Unofficial, current transcripts for all previous and current undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) work.
- An essay of less than 1000 words covering the following topics: (a) a description of your research goals for the duration of the award; (b) your professional goals; and (c) the impact the scholarship would have on your life.
- One letter of support from an SFSU Biology faculty member who will mentor the student. The recommendation should indicate the faculty member’s familiarity with the student, the student’s academic performance, and any research, volunteer, or other relevant experiences.
Applications and recommendations must be submitted via e-mail at bioscholarship@sfsu.edu
Eligibility: For bachelor's or master's degree candidate, in any concentration in biology. Must be a full-time student having completed a minimum of 28 units required for the concentration.
Background: The Felipe Andres Ramirez-Weber BioLuminary Awards have no restrictions. Only a single application is necessary, applicants will be considered for all BioLuminary Awards.
Purpose: The BioLuminaries Award provides funds for students to work in a research lab in the department during the summer.
Contact Biology at bioscholarship@sfsu.edu.
Eligibility: For bahelor's or master's degree candidate, in any concentration in biology. Must be a full-time student having completed a minimum of 28 units required for the concentration.
Background: The ABS BioLuminary Awards have no restrictions. Only a single application is necessary, applicants will be considered for all BioLuminary Awards.
Purpose: The BioLuminaries Award provides funds for students to work in a research lab in the department during the summer.
Contact Biology at bioscholarship@sfsu.edu.
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For a graduate degree candidate in any concentration in biology.
Purpose: To award students for their academic excellence.
Learn more about the Arthur Nelson Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For graduates majoring in Physiology.
Background: Frederick Kauer graduated from San Francisco State University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Biology. He worked as a Chemical Inventory Specialist and emergency room volunteer. In memory of Frederick Kauer, this scholarship was created to support graduate students earning their degree within the field of Physiology.
Purpose: To support the education needs of graduate students in physiology through scholarships.
Learn more about Frederick W. Kauer Grad Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For undergraduates majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology or Microbiology.
Background: Dr. Janis Kuby (d. 1996) received her Ph.D. in 1978 from the University of Califiornia, Berkeley and joined SF State's Biology faculty in 1979. Her teaching and research accomplishments in Immunology were widely recognized. She was the author of three editions of an Immunology textbook (first published in 1997) which gave a comprehensive introduction to the principles and research in the field. The quality of the original textbook was so great newer editions have been continued in Janis Kuby's name by a trio of authors. As one of her students (Elizabeth Crabb Breen) later wrote, "Janis Kuby will never be forgotten by anyone who has ever had the benefit of her knowledge and love of immunology, either face-to-face or through her writing."
Purpose: To reward students for significant achievement in Cell & Molecular Biology or Microbiology programs, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds.
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For undergraduate biology majors.
Background: Dr. John S. Hensill (d. 1998) joined the Biology faculty in 1947. While at SF State, he co-wrote a text "Biology of Man" and taught human biology and marine and invertebrate biology. Dr. Hensill served as Chair of the Division of Biology in the late 1950s. In 1969, Dean Hensill oversaw the rapid growth of SF State's School of Natural Sciences (now the College of Science and Engineering). During his tenure, the physical science (Thornton Hall) and life science (Hensill Hall) buildings were built. He retired in 1975.
Purpose: To award students for their academic excellence.
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: For a graduate degree candidate in the Biomedical Science Master's Program (College of Science and Engineering) or the Clinical Laboratory Science Internship Program (College of Health and Social Sciences).
Purpose: To award students for their academic excellence.
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: The Halde Scholarship for Botany majors. All undergraduate and graduate students in study of plants or fungi or pursuit of botany or mycology are encouraged to apply.
Purpose: The intent of the scholarship is to support Department of Biology students in their study of plants or fungi or pursuits of botany or mycology.
Amount: Varies
Purpose: To support graduate students in Biology studying Ecology, Evolution and/or Conservation Biology. John and Johnie Hafernik hope this scholarship will help new generations of students experience the excitement of discovery, fulfill their dreams, and lead to solutions for the environmental crisis that threaten our planet.
Amount: Varies
Purpose: To provide support for graduate students in Biology
Graduate Funding
In addition to departmental, CoSE, SEO and Financial Aid funding opportunities, graduates students can be employed as graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and graduate assistants (GAs). You may inquire about them with department office or find jobs on Handshake.
There are two levels of Biology Department employment that support graduate students:
- Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs): Each semester the department awards Graduate Teaching Assistantships to graduate students, to serve as instructors in laboratory courses. To be considered for a Graduate Teaching Award, complete the GTA/GA application.
- Graduate Assistants (GAs): Graduate Assistants are hired by the Biology Department for an array of jobs, including lab set-up, exam reading and facilities support (e.g., greenhouse, herbarium, conservation genetics lab, insect museum). Available jobs vary from semester to semester. GA positions vary from 5, 10, 15 to 20 hours/week. Contact your major professor or potential research advisor for information regarding available GA positions.
CSU undergraduate and graduates students may find additional funding support via the CSU.
Annual Showcase
Every year, the college hosts a showcase for students to present and show off their projects. Get involved in research and participate in the next showcase.
Find a Lab
Get Credit for Involvement
Students can participate courses like Peer Assistance for Learning Science and Diving into Ecology and Evolution program to get unique hands-on experiences — for credit!
Find Opportunties
Student Enrichment Opportunities
The SEO office helps undergraduates and graduate students find scholarships, fellowships, research opportunities and a community of support.
Visit SEOStudent Organizations
Get involved! There are many clubs on campus for community, career development and fun.
Black Excellence in STEM (BE-STEM) is a student organization located at San Francisco State University focused on supporting African American/Black students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Our mission is "to empower and support Black STEM students through community!" We will be providing mentoring, various outreach opportunities in the SF Bay Area community, networking opportunities, and future career planning in STEM skills. Currently, we cater to Black students in undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs at SF State.
Contact:
- Email: bestemsfsu@gmail.com
- Instagram: @bestemsfsu
- Facebook: sfsubestem
Interested in Veterinary Medicine? Join the PVS at SF State! Our goal is to support students on their journey into vet med and create a place on campus for students to share their passions for animals. This organization provides resources, information, and assistance to students interested in the veterinary medical field!
Contact:
- Pre-Veterinary Email: pvs.sfsu@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sfsuprevet
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) at SF State is an inclusive and academic student organization that strives to advance the academic, professional and leadership qualities of our students, especially those with underrepresented backgrounds. We host informal social events within the departments of STEM and collaborate with other student and professional organizations. We hold outreach events where we collaborate with local elementary and high schools, showing them the ins and outs of college and how to bring about the most of their college experience. And finally, we hold workshops that involve computational training, networking and help with academic applications or documents for graduate school, fellowships, scholarships, etc.
Contact:
- SACNAS Email: sfsusacnas@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sacnas_sfsu
- Facebook: SFSUSACNAS
The SF State Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program [link W+ISE internal CoSE page] supports students, faculty, and staff in the areas of science, mathematics, and engineering. The SF State WISE program promotes the impact of women on science, mathematics, and engineering professions, as well as attempts to increase the number of women pursuing a career in these fields at the local, regional, and national levels. The program aims to provide opportunities for all CoSE faculty, staff, and students to learn from prominent women scientists and each other through presentations, workshops, and mentoring communities.
Contact:
- WISE Email: sfsuwise@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sfsuwise
The Association of Biology Students (ABS) is a student organization providing a place for students to have an active voice within the Biology department. The purpose of ABS is to provide a forum for healthy dialogue amongst graduate and undergraduate students with the Biology faculty. This organization will serve as a platform for building a long-lasting and cohesive relationship between the department and the students. The functions of this club include but are not limited to: hosting graduation, conferences, fundraising, mentoring, professional development, and community.
Contact:
- Instagram: @abssfsu
The Pre-Dental Society at SF State strives to serve as a resource for students who are interested in pursuing dentistry as a professional career. As a club, we provide opportunities on community outreach, shadowing programs, Kaplan workshops, and dental education.
Contact:
- Pre-Dental Society Email: sfsu.pds@gmail.com
- Instagram: @predentalsfsu
- Facebook Group: Pre-Dental Society at San Francisco State University
The Pre-Physician Assistant Society welcomes students interested in the Pre-PA or health profession to build a positive and collaborative community where students can share resources, build relationships, and encourage one another to become future healthcare professionals! Join us Mondays 7-8pm to tune into guest speakers, CASPA application tips, volunteer events (CPR certification, breast cancer walks, Golden Gate Park clean-up, and more!). Join our active Discord community with SFSU pre-PA alumni and current Pre-PA students below and follow our Instagram for event updates!
Contact:
- Email: sfsuppas@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sfsuppas
- Join our Discord!
For those interested in medical school or any healthcare field, the Future Physicians Club is a pre-med club that's dedicated to helping you enhance your medical school application! We strive to create a community at SF State that helps students along their pre-medical journey. This includes discussing the MCAT and graduate program requirements, taking advantage of opportunities, and learning how to become a more competitive applicant. During our weekly meetings, members have the chance the connect and speak with guest speakers/physicians from different fields, join study sessions, engage in workshops, listen to informational presentations about community volunteering, and more. Be a part of our club in person, over Zoom, and on Discord.
Contact:
- Email: @fpcsfsu@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fpc_sfsu
Campus Programs
Make sure to visit other SFSU academic departments, organizations and research centers. There are lots of different opportunities to get involved, learn and expand your network.