Skip to main content
https://departments.sciences.ncsu.edu/lsfy/
Erica Kosal, PhD

Dr. Erica Kosal

Director of the Life Sciences First Year Program (LSFY) and
Teaching Professor of Biological Sciences
at NC State University

About Dr. Kosal

Dr. Kosal received her BS degree in Zoology from Michigan State University, her MS degree in Ecology and PhD degree in Zoology from NC State University. She has been teaching various biology courses for over two decades at various institutions. Most recently, she is teaching Introductory Biology: Ecology & Evolution & Biodiversity (BIO 181) and Critical & Creative Thinking in the Life Sciences (LSC 101) at NC State University.

Erica is also the Director of the Life Sciences First Year program (LSFY) which serves 600-700 incoming students who have interest in the life sciences (such as biological sciences, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, nutrition sciences, plant biology, zoology)

Learn more about LSFY

Annual Events for LSFY

  • LSFY Connect – periodic workshops and seminars to learn more about majors, while engaging with faculty (Fall & Spring)
  • Pre-Medicine Information Session (Fall)
  • Destress Events (Fall & Spring)
  • “Conservation with a Scientist” Forum (Spring)
  • End of Semester Celebration (Fall)
  • Annual Art Competition (winners’ art hung in Bostian Hall)

Featured Students Who have worked with Dr. Kosal

A male student in a lab

Chay Beeson

Worked with Dr. Kosal to write a case study on Evolutionary Medicine to be used in teaching General Biology. The case study was published in the journal “The American Biology Teacher”. How cool to be a published author as an undergrad!

Read more
Student smiling outside.

Clara Griggs

Worked with Dr. Kosal and the LSFY Team during a summer internship. She grew her professional skills and was able to explore some science labs. Additionally, she worked with other biologists during AP Workshops and gained valuable lab experience.

Read more
two students smiling at the camera

Day Steed

Worked with Dr. Kosal on a creative application interview project for her Honors Option credit while taking LSC101. She continued working with Dr. Kosal as a Learning Assistant (LA) for both LSC101 and BIO181. She held review sessions for the students and gained much in knowledge herself as a result!

Read more
two female scientists

Allie Parascandola

Allie has been a teaching assistant with Dr. Kosal for many semesters, in both LSC 101 and BIO 181. She has also done some amazing research both on campus and at other institutions.

Read more