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Erica Kosal, PhD

Dr. Erica Kosal

Director of the Life Sciences First Year Program (LSFY) and
Associate 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: A weekly social hour to interact with peers; occasional guests invited (Fall & Spring)
  • Meet & Greets with Departmental Faculty (Fall)
  • Pre-Medicine Information Session (Fall)
  • “Conservation with a Scientist” Forum (Spring)
  • “I Do Declare” Major Celebration (Spring)
  • Annual Art Competition (winners’ art hung in Bostian Hall)

Featured Students Who have worked with Dr. Kosal

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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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