UNF Limnology Students perform field work at Lake Oneida.

Students and professor working with a Benthic tray

Biology Advising

The Biology Department is home to an increasing number of majors who have unique advising needs specific to their area of concentration and future career aspirations. As a student you must do all you can to plan ahead and map out a schedule for the classes you need to graduate. Keep in mind that course offerings and policies change and what may have been true for your friends may be different for you.

Therefore, throughout your academic career, the Biology Department Faculty and Advisors are available to help answer your questions. Be sure to stay informed and make the effort to see your advisor every semester to ensure you stay on track and reach your goals. Use the following information to learn more about our Biology Advisors and what they can do for you!

Current students, check out our Biology Academic Advising Canvas page by clicking this link: https://canvas.unf.edu/enroll/9W8DJH

Biology Advising will be offering a combination of face-to-face and on-line advising appointments. Please note all “walk-in” hours remain via Zoom only.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Biology Majors: Schedule an appointment through your myWings account.
Non-majors: Call the main COAS Advising office at (904) 620-2797.

More information on College of Arts and Sciences (COAS) Advising: https://www.unf.edu/coas/advising/

COAS Academic Advisor for Biology

Jason Collins, M.S., CSCS

Advises students with last names A-K

Jason’s “Walk-in” and On-line Appointment Zoom Link: https://unf.zoom.us/j/99780159089

I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I earned my AS degree while playing baseball at Columbia State CC in Tennessee. I have always had a passion for sports and the training and preparation that goes into being an athlete. I earned my BS with a major in Exercise Science at Western Kentucky University with a concentration in strength and conditioning. During my senior year I began to pursue a career in coaching. I interned at Vanderbilt University with their highly respected Strength and Conditioning staff working with their basketball, lacrosse, golf, swimming, tennis, bowling, and soccer teams. I then accepted a Graduate Assistant position with the Strength and Conditioning staff at Jacksonville University where I earned my MS in Kinesiology & Biomechanics. While at JU, I worked with the baseball, football, basketball, lacrosse, softball, soccer, rowing, and volleyball teams.

My wife and I have been married since 2015 and in the Jacksonville area since 2018 and absolutely love it here. I enjoy time on the beach, anything outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. I am extremely excited to be a part of the UNF family and look forward to working with you all. Swoop!

Rachel Decker Headshot

Rachel Decker, M.S., M.S.N

Advises students with last names L-Z

Rachel’s “Walk-in” and On-line Appointment Zoom Link: https://unf.zoom.us/j/96393115779

Rachel.decker@unf.edu, Building 59, Room 1313

B.A. Biology and Rhetoric and Composition, Oberlin College (2005)

M.S. Biology, University of South Carolina (2011)

M.S.N. Acute Care Specialty, Yale University (2017)

I grew up in Salt Lake City, went to school out East, and have lived in Jacksonville since 2017. Along the way I've had a lot of different jobs,and been down several career tracks, because I still can't decide what I want to be when I grow up. Above all,I'm a mom, wife and ocean enthusiast.

I'm excited and honored to be an academic advisor at UNF and a part of this diverse and talented department. I hope my experience in both ecology and healthcare will be of use to students pursuing careers in these tracks,or those simply interested in learning more about them. I look forward to meeting you all!