With the Anthracite mountains seen in the background, a student walks down a dirt road sweeping with a butterfly net.

Natural & Environmental Sciences Department

Using natural sciences to make a positive impact on the world around you.

Some of the most complex and urgent issues of the 21st century involve how we interact with our environment and approach our health. These challenges range from addressing rising global temperatures to preparing for the potential of future pandemics. Resolving these challenges requires a new generation of leaders with expertise in natural and environmental sciences.

At Western Colorado University, you’ll apply what you learned in the classroom to real-world situations. From Anthropology students excavating Mayan artifacts in Belize to Geology students coring sediment from lakes to analyze paleoclimate data, you’ll gain significant field experience in your natural science classes.

Hands-On Opportunities

  • Holding an aquatic net, a student wades through knee-deep water upstream in the Taylor River with fall colors and the canyon in the background.

    River Studies & Leadership Certificate

    Students dive into the science and stewardship of rivers, gaining hands-on experience in fieldwork, conservation, and water resource management.
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  • A student from the Wildlife Society club propogates a new aloe plant in the campus greenhouse.

    Thornton Research Program

    Join Western’s Thornton Research Program for hands-on scientific inquiry. Design projects, write proposals, conduct research, and gain mentorship and funding.
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  • Graduate student wearing a cowboy hat standing on Verzuh Ranch wetlands with cattle behind him

    Verzuh Ranch

    Offering hands-on academic experiences in sustainability, agriculture, and environmental sciences at Western.
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Areas of Study

Anthropology

Available as: Major, Minor

Applied Physics for Pre-Engineering

Available as: Major

Biochemistry

Available as: Major Emphasis

Biology

Available as: Major, Minor

Biology Secondary Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis

Biology Secondary Education with MA in Education

Available as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Biology with Master in Environmental Management

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Biology with Master of Science in Applied Exercise Science and Performance

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Biology with Master of Science in Ecology

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Chemistry

Available as: Major, Minor

Chemistry Secondary Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis

Chemistry Secondary Education with MA in Education

Available as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Cultural Resource Management

Available as: Certificate

Environmental Biology and Ecology

Available as: Major Emphasis

Environmental Geology

Available as: Major Emphasis

Environmental Science

Available as: Major, Minor

Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology

Available as: Major Emphasis

Geoarchaeology

Available as: Major Emphasis

Geology

Available as: Major, Minor

Geology (Earth Space Science Secondary Education) with MA in Education

Available as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Geology Secondary Education in Earth-Space Science

Available as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis

Petroleum Geology

Available as: Major Emphasis

Physics

Available as: Major, Minor

Pre-Medicine/Cell and Molecular Biology

Available as: Major Emphasis

Pre-Nursing

Available as: Major Emphasis

Pre-Physical Therapy

Available as: Major Emphasis

Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Available as: Major Emphasis
“Being an orientation leader and having that leadership position helped me branch out to try these other things. It gave me the confidence to express myself as a leader and learn what kind of leader I am. And then be able to use that leadership in other aspects.”

Ryan Barnhouse

Biology, Chemistry, Exercise and Sport Science
Ryan Barnhouse

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado Foundation offers scholarships specifically for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

Department News

  • Two students take notes on clip boards while a third uses a ruler to measure a section of rock during a geology field camp.

    Geology: A landscape of learning

    The last day of May was warm when geology professor Dr. Elizabeth Petrie and 10 students set out to start the third week of Western…
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  • Ross McGee poses with a coworker and a local rancher.

    Western Alum Ross McGee Named Colorado’s Top Game Warden for 2025

    Long before Ross McGee (’13) won the most prestigious honor in Colorado wildlife management, he was a kid who knew just what he wanted. For…
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  • A student takes the blood pressure of a community member.

    Western’s Nursing Education Program Builds Momentum with New Director, Grant

    Western Colorado University’s new Nursing Education Program is gaining momentum this spring, with major funding support and a new director. Program receives new grant The…
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  • Western Students Take First, Third for Posters at Research Conference

    Western Students Take First, Third for Posters at Research Conference

    Recognition at a regional conference provides important networking opportunities. Western Colorado University is proud to announce that its Gamma Chapter of the TriBeta Biology Honor…
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  • New Scholarship Fund Memorializes Alumnus, Supports Western’s Aspiring Geologists

    New Scholarship Fund Memorializes Alumnus, Supports Western’s Aspiring Geologists

    Western Colorado University is proud to announce the Gary Christopher Memorial Geology Scholarship, started as a testament to a remarkable alumnus and a lifelong student…
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  • Erik Rathmann: Western’s Sustainability Hero

    Erik Rathmann: Western’s Sustainability Hero

    I honestly don’t know what we would do without him -Jason Grosse, Custodial Supervisor When Erik Rathmann was called to Western’s South Conference Room in…
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  • Scholarship Paves Way for STEM Student Success

    Scholarship Paves Way for STEM Student Success

    The cost of obtaining a four-year degree in science and technical fields can be daunting. Now, through a generous donation, Western Colorado University is removing…
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  • Geology Professors Break New Ground with Desert Paleoclimate Archives

    Geology Professors Break New Ground with Desert Paleoclimate Archives

    When earth scientists try to understand past climates they often look to lakes, ice cores or ocean sediments. These deposits have clear, easily identifiable layers…
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  • Finding the Right University: Kinlee Whitney

    Finding the Right University: Kinlee Whitney

    Sometimes, where you start is not always where you finish. For Western Colorado University senior, Kinlee Whitney, this was the case for her college education.…
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Faculty & Staff

Alexander Alleman, PhD

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Alex Alvarez, MS

Instructor, Researcher, Recruiter

Amanda Aulenbach, MS

Lecturer in Biology

Robin A. Bingham, PhD

Professor of Biology

Holly Brunkal, PhD

Lecturer

Brad Burton, PhD

Rady Chair in Petroleum Geology

Hannah M. Carroll, PhD

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Ecology

Lori Clement

Natural & Environmental Sciences Department Administrative Assistant

Jonathan Coop, PhD

Professor of Environment and Sustainability

Amy Ellwein, PhD

Research Professor of Geology

Robert Fillmore, PhD

Professor of Geology

Steve Griggs

Lecturer in Physics

Shan Hays, PhD

Professor of Biology

Derek D. Houston, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology

David M. Hyde, PhD

Moncrief Distinguished Lecturer of Archaeology, Director of the Hurst Museum

Patrick Magee, BA, PhD

Professor of Biology

David W. Marchetti, PhD

Professor of Geology

John Mason, PhD

Professor of Physics

Samuel McCarthy, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology

Emily McMahill, PharmD

Director, Center of Rural Mountain Allied Health

Jason E. Mullins, PhD

Professor of Chemistry

Cassandra Osborne, PhD

Professor of Biology

Elizabeth Petrie, PhD

Moncrief Chair in Petroleum Geology

Paige Rumery

Biology Lab Coordinator

Anne W. Ryter, PhD

Professor of Chemistry; Chair of Natural & Environmental Sciences Department

Jarral W. Ryter, MS

Senior Lecturer in Chemistry

Lynn Sikkink, PhD

Professor of Anthropology

Mark Stiger, PhD

Professor of Anthropology

Suzanne Taylor, PhD

Professor of Physics

Oliver Wilmot, MS

Lecturer in Biology

Natural & Environmental Sciences Department

Department Chairperson

  • Anne W. Ryter

  • Professor of Chemistry; Chair of Natural & Environmental Sciences Department

Administrative Assistant

  • Lori Clement

  • Natural & Environmental Sciences Department Administrative Assistant

Contact Information

970.943.2015
aryter@western.edu

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Hurst Hall 128
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231