BETHANY, W.Va. (Dec. 12, 2025) — The Bethany College Biology Department is celebrating significant growth in its teaching and research capabilities following the award of a $19,900 grant from the WV STAR Division. The funding will support the purchase of a ZEISS Axio Imager A2 fluorescent microscope, a research-grade system that will greatly enhance the department’s ability to deliver hands-on scientific training and conduct advanced biomedical research.
The microscope features high-definition imaging, multiple fluorescence filters, and automated contrast settings, making it ideal for both introductory labs and upper-level research. Students will gain experience with techniques commonly used in medical, biomedical, and graduate-level research environments. The new system will be utilized across the curriculum, including in cell biology, biotechnology, and honors introductory courses, as well as in student capstone projects.
A major focus of the enhanced research capacity will be Bethany’s growing microplastics initiative. Under the mentorship of Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Derek Warren, Assistant Professor Dr. Kathy Baker-Brosh, and Visiting Professor of Biology Dr. Robert Shurina, students will use the microscope to investigate how microplastics contribute to oxidative stress and cellular damage using the model organism C. elegans. With the new equipment, students will be able to visualize microplastic infiltration, measure reactive oxygen species, and explore whether certain dietary compounds may protect against cellular stress.
In addition to the grant, the Biology Department recently received a donation dedicated to biology student research. This support will further expand opportunities for students to engage in independent research, travel to conferences, and access essential laboratory materials. Together, these investments highlight the biology program’s momentum and demonstrate that resources are being actively used to enrich academic and research experiences.
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