Three special initiatives mark the department’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education to all Biology majors. In the Lab TA Program, students, supervised in their work by the instructor in charge of the course, develop significant skills in teaching and the general management of the laboratory and evaluation of the students in the laboratory section. Science Horizons is aimed at recruitment and retention of students in STEM. This initiative includes a semester-long mentoring session program, with opportunities for a research experience geared towards students in their first year of college. Our Peer Mentoring Program is designed to help you build a positive relationship with an upper-class student in biology. Having a peer mentor can make your transition to college smoother and more enjoyable. Finally, SEA-PHAGES, which started as a special initiative, has been expanded to include all Biology majors. All students are part of a nationwide community of researchers working on phage diversity.