About Us

We the Biology Without Borders are a campus life group who seeks to provide students with service and learning opportunities locally and globally. The focus of the group's efforts are underserved communities, disparities, and health and environmental issues. Members volunteer in Minneapolis-Saint Paul while classes are in session, Peru in the winter, and Tanzania in the summer.

Our Constitution
Click to download our constitution (.doc format).

Application
Click to download the application (.doc format).

President	Surbhi Singhal sing0441@umn.edu Major: Genetics, Cell Biology and Development Year: Senior A bit about myself: I am a senior at the U and have absolutely loved my time here! I like to talk a lot and just love meeting new people. I love to spend all of my free time in the outdoors (if it's not cold!) or traveling--I am addicted to exploring new and exciting places. Why I like BWB: Through student organizations like Biology Without Borders, students are given the opportunities to inspire and bring change. I really believe in the power of young people: they are motivated, driven, inspired, and are willing to work tirelessly for what they believe in-I am so lucky to be able to serve as the Biology Without Borders President and work every day with such incredible people to serve our community.
Vice President	Jordan Bernens berne041@umn.edu Major: Biomedical Engineering Year: Senior A bit about myself: I am currently applying to medical school. I work in a biomedical engineering lab on campus as an undergraduate researcher. Why I like BWB: I have been a part of BWB since I was a freshmen. I love the volunteer opportunities and trips abroad. BWB gives me the opportunity to give back to my community and explore the needs of other countries. All the while, I get to meet other students who share some of my common interests.
Treasurer/Winter Trip Coordinator	Ashley McDonough mcdon797@umn.edu Major: Biology Year: Sophomore A bit about myself: I like to stay very involved on campus and participate in Gymnastics Club, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and AMSA (pre-med club) as well as BWB. I joined BWB as a freshman and was able to go on the Africa trip this summer. It was truely a life changing experience and I have so many pictures to show for it! I would really love to go back again. I am still not completely decided on what I want to do for a major so for right now I am just doing general biology. Why I like BWB: After my experiences on the Africa trip, I have realized what an impact BWB makes. I would like to see BWB expand the work it does both in our community and other countries. I would also like to see BWB become a closer knit organization that becomes more prominent on campus. I think it would be great if we had a lot of new members join this year to help out with the work that we do.
Local Volunteer Coordinator	Carly Dahl dah0910@umn.edu Major: Neuroscience + Psychology Year: Sophomore A bit about myself: As a neuroscience undergrad, I am quite busy but I love to spend time with family & friends, run, play tennis, read and eat good food! I love being on campus & supporting the Gophers and am very excited for another fun year at the U! Why I like BWB: I initially joined BWB due to a great interest in volunteering abroad and began to develop an appreciation for volunteering locally in Minneapolis as well! It's great to be part of a group that donates its time in such a broad but fulfilling way, and I was drawn to all that biology can offer. I am excited for a future trip to Africa hopefully next summer, and my goals for the group are to broaden our volunteering locations and to increase group involvement.
Summer Trip Coordinator	Rebecca (Becca) Huebsch huebs032@umn.edu Major: Biology Year: Sophomore A bit about myself: I am a pre-med student and hope to work in international medicine. I am also very interested in genetics and public health. I went to Tanzania with BWB this past year and had the experience of a lifetime! And I would strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of BWB's great opportunities to volunteer abroad :) Why I like BWB: BWB is awesome because it combines local volunteer programs with international opportunities. I joined because the group gave me a chance to participate in service projects around campus and also focused on some of my personal interests in biology. My goal for this year is to connect next summer's Tanzania trip to what we do on campus. Hopefully, we will be able to raise awareness, and support, to expand future trips and do more good.
Fundraising Coordinator	Dan Perry perry263@umn.edu Major: Biochemistry Year: Senior A bit about myself: Hello! I have been a part of BWB since my second year at the U. I decided to join because I was very interested in the combination of the volunteering abroad as well as serving our local community. This year, as the fundraising coordinator, I intend on not only continuing with the work we have already done to obtain funds for our many projects, but improve upon that for future work. I traveled to Tanzania in the Summer of 2010 with BWB.
Public Relations	Matt Herbert herbe117@umn.edu Major: Journalism with a minor in Conservation Biology Year: Junior A bit about myself: This is my second year with Biology Without Borders. Last Fall I was appointed to be Peru Trip coordinator and traveled to Peru with BWB. I enjoy traveling, but I also enjoy volunteering and helping others, whether that be in the Twin Cities or abroad. Why I like BWB: I want to continue expanding our volunteering throughout the community and internationally. I want more people to see the impacts of our group locally and internationally. As PR officer, I want to show others around campus our mission and our experiences, in hope that they are interested in participating and continuing BWB's mission for many years to come.
Webmaster	Yungil (Jason) Ryu ryuxx040@umn.edu Major: Biochemistry + GCD with a minor in Computer Science Year: Junior A bit about myself: I am a junior here at the University of Minnesota. I am currently doing research in a cancer lab working with mice and I love it. I like to spend time with friends and get to know new people. I love to travel! Why I like BWB: I have been with BWB since 2010. I like knowing that BWB is not only an international volunteer organization but also puts great emphasis on local volunteering. I really enjoy the fact that I can be a part of such group and be able to help out.
Faculty Advisor	Jane Philips (janep@umn.edu)
Faculty Advisor	Sue Wick (swick@umn.edu)