The Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences generates new knowledge and addresses urgent global challenges in various disciplines. BES’s efforts in research related to conservation and biodiversity are among the best in the state of Alabama. As the site of the biggest outdoor classroom in the United States (the Cahaba Biodiversity Center, CBC), BES is a prominent Alabama institution dedicated to discovering new plant and microbial species. The 2,100-acre CBC is home to the most biodiverse environment in the United States and is primarily used for research on various topics, including ecology, archaeology, water quality, biodiversity in plants and animals, conservation, and land management. Additionally, BES faculty’s research contributes to advancements in agriculture by improving crop yields, developing drought-resistant crops, and minimizing the use of pesticides and fertilizers by producing biofertilizers. Faculty members conduct food microbiology, neuroscience, archaeology, and cancer research. A number of the BES faculty members are among the most cited authors in their disciplines, and the BES faculty members published 23 articles in peer-reviewed journals in 2023. Furthermore, the BES provides various local, regional, and national outreach and service activities. These activities range from public lectures to service in multiple professional societies. All research and outreach activities provide direct and indirect training for undergraduate and graduate students in the department; thus, please consider supporting research and outreach activities at BES.