Biology

Vijayalakshmi Natarajan

Chairperson

BiologyTo enhance student success and engagement in biological sciences by implementing evidence-based, inclusive teaching practices and expanding research, community, and career-connected learning opportunities, with a focus on equity and support for underrepresented student populations.

The Biology Department at Truman College actively supports student success by combining equity-focused instruction, academic support, and career-connected learning. Faculty use evidence-based teaching strategies, embedded tutoring, and open educational resources to help students succeed in high-enrollment, foundational courses like Biology 121 and 122.

The department is committed to inclusive pedagogy, ensuring that diverse student experiences are reflected and supported in the classroom. Students are connected to undergraduate research, transfer advising, and career exposure opportunities in partnership with local universities and STEM employers.

Through community outreach, dual-credit programming, and support for underrepresented students, the Biology Department helps build a strong STEM pipeline—aligning closely with Truman’s institutional goals of equity, retention, and workforce readiness.

 "Thinking About a Career in Healthcare or Research?"

TR Career Services

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Pathways to Science

 

"Find Your Next Biology Course"

  • Biology Programs/Pathways:

AS Biology

AS Biology Education

AS Environmental Biology

           AAS Biotechnology

·       Current schedule: Credit class schedule

·       Scholarship help: CCC Scholarships

 

"Need Help with Biology courses?" 

 TR Science Center

 

 “Where Can Biology Take You?”

                  TR Transfer Center

·                          CCC University Partners

 

“Student Clubs in Biology”

·                         TR Environmental Club

Programs

Biotechnology

Faculty and Staff

FACULTY
​NAME ​PHONE ​EMAIL ​OFFICE
​Vijayalakshmi Natarajan – Chair​ ​(773) 907- 4660 ​vnatarajan@ccc.edu​​ ​2635 F
​Marwan Amarin    ​(​773) 907- 4658 mamarin@ccc.edu​ ​2635 K
​Mahesh Gurung    (773) 907- 4689 mgurung1@ccc.edu​ ​2623
​Akbar  Ebrahim  ​​(773) 907- 4677 aebrahim@ccc.edu​ ​2629
Farzana Najam​- Assistant Chair (773) 907- 4886 fnajam@ccc.edu​ 2635 C
​    Harry Sdralis  (773) 907- ​4679 hsdralis@ccc.edu​ 2635 D
       
       
       
 
STAFF
​NAME ​PHONE ​EMAIL ​​OFFICE
 ​Thuy Chung (773) 907- 4659 ​tchung@ccc.edu​ ​2983
Hazel Crew- Lab Assistant (773) 907- 4662 hcrew@ccc.edu 2640
Manju Maharjan- Lab Assistant (773) 907- 4662 mmaharjan@ccc.edu 2640
​Semira Yassin - Lab Assistant (773) 907- 4662 ​syass​in1@ccc.edu​ ​2640