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 take to graduate. Along the way the Biology Department Faculty and Advisors are available to help answer the questions that will inevitably arise. Course offerings and policies change. What may have been true for your friends may be different for you. Use the following information to find the office and the person who can answer your questions or get you going in the right direction. Group Advising Sessions in the fall and spring provide majors with up to date information regarding department policies. Mandatory advising will soon be required for all students. Stay informed and make the effort to attend the various information sessions for your particular needs.

COAS Academic Advisor for Biology

Brittany Kauffman

B.S. Environmental Biology and GIS, Clarion University of PA (2007)

MS.Ed Secondary Education: Biology, Duquesne University (2012)

Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies, Nova Southeastern University (2015)

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and have been in Jacksonville since May 2013. I am a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Green Bay Packers and I love my husky, Loki, more than anything!

My BS is in Environmental Biology from Clarion University, where I completed research on the effects of acid mine drainage and reclamation efforts on the surrounding river and tributary systems. For my minor, I have introductory and advanced coursework in Geographic Information Systems, Computer Cartography and Remote Sensing. Additionally, I have completed an internship with the City of Allentown (PA) working on improving the GIS program for the city. Furthermore, while completing my biology degree, I was a 7-Time All-American and 4 year National qualifier for Clarion’s Swimming team.

My Masters is in Secondary Education: Biology from Duquesne University. There, I taught Honors Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, PA Wildlife (senior biology elective) and AP Biology. My teaching philosophy is geared towards the Inquiry-based approach and I believe being hands-on is a very necessary part of learning. I also believe that students should try to determine the “who, what, where, when and why” before getting answers directly from the teacher.

Lastly, I have completed a Graduate Certificate in Coastal Studies through Nova Southeastern University. This certificate has provided me the opportunity to take upper level coursework in marine geology, chemistry, toxicology, Biology of Sharks Rays, Marine Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems. Additionally, I was able to participate in manatee and osprey surveys in and around the Fort Lauderdale waterways.

My true passion is helping students so they have a positive and extremely rewarding collegiate career, like I was fortunate enough to have. My goal is to provide students with information, references, and advice in order for them to attain their academic goals and be successful here at UNF. I look forward to working with every student interested or currently enrolled in the Biology program!

To schedule an appointment:

E-mail: b.kauffman@unf.edu

If you are currently a biology major you can also schedule an appointment through MyWings.

Call: (904) 620-2797

Building 59, Room 1311