Trustees Award of Excellence

Outstanding Science Educator

Influencer of the Year

SUU Advisor of the Year

SUU Professor of the Year

Founder of the SUU Animal Ambassadors

Walker Faculty Excellence Award

Entomological Society of America

National Association of Biology Teachers

National Science Teachers Association

Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles

To Flip or Not to Flip? Analysis of a Flipped Classroom Pedagogy in a General Biology Course

Cysteine-Rich Secretory Proteins in Reptile Venoms

Identification and characterization of a taxon-specific three-finger toxin from the venom of the Green Vinesnake (Oxybelis fulgidus; family Colubridae)

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: A New Model for Learning Insect Anatomy

Venom of the Brown Treesnake, Boiga irregularis: Ontogenetic shifts and taxa-specific toxicity

Natural History Note: Sceloporus uniformis (Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard) Bifurcated Tail

Natural History Note: APALONE SPINIFERA EMORYI (Texas Spiny Softshell) DIET

Venoms of the New World Vinesnakes (Oxybelis aeneus and O. fulgidus)

Natural History Note: HYPSIGLENA CHLOROPHAEA (Desert Nightsnake) Predation

Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students come to explore their interests and prepare for meaningful careers and life experiences. With more than 145 undergraduate programs* and 18 graduate and certificate programs across six academic colleges, SUU proudly offers world-class, project-based learning opportunities where students gain professional experience before entering the job market.

Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU is the University of the Parks thanks to its close proximity to several outdoor recreational areas and its educational partnerships with the National Park Service. SUU’s safe, residential campus allows students - more than 10,000 - to create lifelong friendships along with once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventures in conjunction with innovative academic endeavors.

Southern Utah University

BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biology

BIOL 1020 Human Biology

BIOL 1620/25 General Biology II

BIOL 1610/15 General Biology I

BIOL 3430/35 Entomology

BIOL 3470/75 Herpetology

BIOL 4650 Conservation Biology

Dr. William Heyborne is the Dean of College of Natural Sciences and Professor of Biology at Southern Utah University. 

With research interests in the diversity of living things, Dr. Heyborne specializes in biological pedagogy, and reptile/amphibian natural history including the study of insects and venomous snakes. Dr. Heyborne teaches his students to examine living systems and the impact of biological problems on human affairs. He encourages critical thinking, problem solving and the application of scientific thinking. He is a organismal biologist with expertise in insects, amphibians, and reptiles. He also advise the SUU Animal Ambassadors outreach team.

An SUU alumnus, Dr. Heyborne received a bachelor’s degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry. At Oregon State University, he earned a master’s degree in entomology, then a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Northern Colorado. Previously, he worked as chair of the biology and chemistry department at Morningside College at Sioux City, Iowa.

Ecology and Evolution of Insects and Arachnids

Herpetology

Entomology

Zoology

Amphibians

STEM Teacher Leadership

Biological Pedagogy

Reptiles

Biology

Outreach Education

STEM Education

Classification of Amphibians and Reptiles

Meet Our Professors: Dr. Bill Heyborne, Biology 

Research Gate Site 

Animal Ambassadors

Professor Spotlight

Stink bug swarms spotted in Smithfield

Stink bugs are swarming parts of Utah: 'Never seen anything like this'

Swarms of stink bugs invade southern Utah: 'Never seen anything like this'

Bugs, Bugs, and more BUGS. The invasion of Insects in Page Arizona.

Professor Spotlight: Bill Heyborne

SUU for Hope Team places first in Grand to Grand

SUU president embarks on 170-mile 'Grand to Grand' run for campus child care center

Cedar FIRST LEGO teams going national

SUU bringing STEAM to local youth

STEAM Festival Draws 2,000 Students to SUU

Carnegie Mellon Partnership with SUU Brings Unique STEM Education to Kids

Facts About Milk Snakes

Anaconda Facts

Facts About Water Snakes

STEM grants for two Utah universities should improve program results

SUU Engineers Utah’s Future STEM Education

William Heyborne

BLM Reptile/Amphibian Survey Grant

STEM Endorsement Grant

Wildlife Diversity Program Small Grant

Terrestrial Gastropod Research Grant

fervo-energy-southern-utah-university-and-elemental-impact-launch-geothermal-drilling-completions-apprenticeship-program

Dean of College of Natural Sciences and Professor of Biology

 Fervo Energy (“Fervo”), the leader in next-generation geothermal development, along with Southern Utah University (SUU), an institution known for its personalized approach to learning, and Elemental Impact (“Elemental”), a non-profit investing platform that invests in climate companies and projects with deep local impact, today announced the launch of a geothermal apprenticeship program to help oil and gas workers and Southwest Utah residents join the rapidly growing enhanced geothermal industry. The first-of-a-kind geothermal apprenticeship program advances labor momentum spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The program, administered by SUU and funded in part by Elemental, will provide those seeking new skill sets with the opportunity to learn geothermal directional drilling and well completions, while combining on-the-job training with college-level coursework on geology and energy systems. This unique approach offers pathways for traditional college students as well as adult and working learners interested in careers in the geothermal energy industry.

“Thousands of Americans work in upstream oil and gas, and with the right tools, they can easily apply their skill sets to geothermal production,” said Tim Latimer, Fervo CEO and Co-Founder. “We can harness the full potential of this existing talent pool and attract new talent beyond current fossil fuel workers by providing on-the-ground and in-classroom training opportunities. We believe that our apprenticeship program with SUU can ignite that process, supporting local job growth across Southwest Utah.”

Already, 22 individuals working with ten different oilfield service providers operating in the area have registered for the geothermal apprenticeship program. By the end of 2024, the program aims to enroll at least 40 apprentices, providing them with an opportunity to fill an immediate workforce need upon completion of the apprenticeship.

“Southwest Utah has the resource potential to become a national clean energy hub, and we have the human potential to make that vision a reality,” said Dr. Bill Heyborne, Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Professor of Biology. “Our new apprenticeship program will prepare Utahns to drive much-needed energy innovation in the communities they call home.” Funding from Elemental Impact, a nonprofit investor in climate technology and community focused initiatives, enabled Fervo to offer this workforce training program.


"Demand for electricity is surging and expected to double in the US by 2030; geothermal sources, like those being deployed by Fervo, have the potential to meet that demand while boosting local jobs,” said Dawn Lippert, Founder and CEO of Elemental Impact. “We are thrilled to support this geothermal apprenticeship program and help power the transfer of valuable skills from oil and gas professionals to the geothermal industry. This initiative, in partnership with SUU, is an essential bridge to building a local workforce and advancing the clean energy transition."

 Dr. Heyborne is available to speak with the media. For more information click on his icon to arrange an interview.


Fervo Energy, Southern Utah University, and Elemental Impact Launch Geothermal Drilling & Completions Apprenticeship Program

William Heyborne, Associate Professor of Biology, presents "Grit: When the going gets tough, T-Birds get going"; a Little Learning Lecture as part of the "Learning Lives Forever" series. 
https://www.suu.edu/alumni/forever/

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Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students come to explore their interests and prepare for meaningful careers and life experiences. With more than 140 undergraduate programs* and 21 graduate and certificate programs across seven academic colleges, SUU proudly offers world-class, project-based learning opportunities where students gain professional experience before entering the job market.

Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU is the University of the Parks® thanks to its close proximity to several outdoor recreational areas and its educational partnerships with the National Park Service. SUU’s safe, residential campus allows students - more than 12,000 - to create lifelong friendships along with once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventures in conjunction with innovative academic endeavors.

https://www.suu.edu/

Southern Utah University
351 West University Boulevard
Cedar City, UT 84720
435.586.7700

Grit: When the going gets tough, T-Birds get going - A Little Learning Lecture with William Heyborne

A fantastic science assembly in grade school assembly propelled Dr. Heybourne into a future life as a science educator. Many students have lost an interest in science. This talk presents important ways to recapture a generation that is drifting away from being part of science at all levels.

Bill Heybourne is a hands-on science educator of the first order. His talk begins with his personal history with science and teaching, and it ends with Bill assuming the role of the great teachers from his past. Bill is a Kanab, Utah native and Southern Utah University alumnus. Dr. Heyborne obtained a master’s degree in entomology from Oregon State University, and PhD in biology from the University of Northern Colorado. Bill now works as Assistant Professor of Biology and Director of the SUU STEM Center. Away from work, Dr. Heyborne and his wife Jennifer have three children, and enjoy recreating in the beautiful surroundings of southern Utah.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

A fantastic science assembly in grade school assembly propelled Dr. Heybourne into a future life as a science educator. 

The "Mr. Science" experience | Bill Heyborne | TEDxSUU

Helping you choose which major to study and ultimately jumpstarting your college career, SUU is here with the unbiased opinion on each of its majors. This video highlights what a biology student can experiences in the classroom, what careers are available and what types of student excel. 

Dr. William Heybourne, associate professor of biology received his Ph.D. in biology and is an expert on ecology, herpetology, reptiles, amphibians, entomology and terrestrial snails. 
 
www.suu.edu

Southern Utah University
351 West University Boulevard
Cedar City, UT 84720
435.586.7700

Bill Heyborne Snake Expert

Major Decisions: Animal Biology

ABC 4: Southern Utah University hosts STEAM festival for elementary students to see that science, math, and other difficult subjects can be fun for all.

http://www.suu.edu

Southern Utah University
351 West University Boulevard
Cedar City, UT 84720
435.586.7700

In the News: SUU Hosts STEAM Festival

Located in Cedar City, Southern Utah University is in the heart of Utah's color country region. Distinguished above others for its focus on personalized education, SUU prepares its students to achieve excellence in their chosen field and create positive change in the world. 

http://www.suu.edu

Southern Utah University
351 West University Boulevard
Cedar City, UT 84720
435.586.7700

Meet Our Professors: Bill Heyborne, Biology

BIOL 1010, 1020, & 1610 -- Professor Bill Heyborne describes how our faculty make introductory biology courses relevant to students' lives.



About SUU:
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students come to explore their interests and prepare for meaningful careers and life experiences. With more than 140 undergraduate programs* and 21 graduate and certificate programs across seven academic colleges, SUU proudly offers world-class, project-based learning opportunities where students gain professional experience before entering the job market.

Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU is the University of the Parks® thanks to its close proximity to several outdoor recreational areas and its educational partnerships with the National Park Service. SUU’s safe, residential campus allows students - more than 12,000 - to create lifelong friendships along with once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventures in conjunction with innovative academic endeavors.

⚡Come soar with us at https://www.suu.edu/

Connect with Southern Utah University:
Visit SUU's website: https://www.suu.edu/
Follow SUU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suutbirds/
Follow SUU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUUTBirds/
Follow SUU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/suutbirds
Subscribe to SUU on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUUTbirdsOfficial?feature=watch

Intro to BIOL 1010, 1020, &amp; 1610 with Professor Bill Heyborne

Reptile venom is an interesting topic, as it can be very specific to the target prey. This is known as taxon-specific  venom. There are also a good number of lizard which were not thought to be venomous, and are now known to be venomous reptiles. Bill Heyborne is the man to talk to to learn more about tax on specific venom and venomous lizards.

Reptile Venom with Bill Heyborne, PhD

Southern Utah University (SUU), along with Fervo Energy, and Elemental Impact recently announced the launch of a geothermal apprenticeship program to help oil and gas workers and Southwest Utah residents join the rapidly growing enhanced geothermal industry. The first-of-a-kind geothermal apprenticeship program offers pathways for traditional college students as well as adult and working learners interested in careers in the geothermal energy industry.

About SUU:
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students come to explore their interests and prepare for meaningful careers and life experiences. Offering more than 150 undergraduate programs, 32 graduate and certificate programs, as well as a professional doctorate degree across seven academic colleges, SUU proudly offers world-class, project-based learning opportunities where students gain professional experience before entering the job market.

Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU is the University of the Parks® thanks to its close proximity to several outdoor recreational areas and its educational partnerships with the National Park Service. SUU’s safe, residential campus allows students - more than 12,000 - to create lifelong friendships along with once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventures in conjunction with innovative academic endeavors.

⚡Come soar with us at https://www.suu.edu/

Connect with Southern Utah University:
Visit SUU's website: https://www.suu.edu/
Follow SUU on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suutbirds/
Follow SUU on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SUUTBirds/
Follow SUU on Twitter: https://twitter.com/suutbirds
Subscribe to SUU on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUUTbirdsOfficial?feature=watch

SUU Geothermal Apprenticeships

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