School of Science & Health - 2023

School of Science & Health

A Note Associate Dean Deighan

When you learn at a center of scientific innovation with an original and inclusive curriculum, unparalleled research opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities, you not only comprehend scientific breakthroughs—you create them.

Emmanuel’s School of Science & Health educates critically thinking science and health professionals in the methods and values of scientific inquiry. The School is comprised of expansive, experientially driven programs in biology, biotechnology, chemistry and physics, biostatistics and mathematics, neuroscience and psychology, as well as pre-professional programs in pre-dental, premedical, and pre-veterinary tracks.

Our faculty don’t just teach—we are scholars and practitioners whose work continuously informs and inspires a curriculum that ignites a collaborative excitement and curiosity for learning.

We engage student researchers in nationally recognized research on campus as early as their first year, and forge connections with local partners and collaborators in the worldclass medical centers of the surrounding Longwood Medical and Academic Area. Graduates are ready to lead and solve important issues facing society, prepared for careers in the country’s top hospitals and research institutions, and primed to transform the healthcare landscape and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors in Boston and beyond.

The School of Science & Health is truly a forward-thinking and supportive community of teaching, research, and learning. I hope you sense this excitement as you learn more about our programs, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our community!

Pádraig Deighan, Ph.D. Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Biology, School of Science & Health

BOSTON:

A City Without Limits

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, scientific and medical advancements such as modern cardiac surgery, organ transplantation, immunosuppression and even the first milkbased infant formula all took place in Boston’s hospitals.

The city has become a global center for research, drug development and treatment for disorders of the brain and body, with institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the forefront.

(The Country’s Best Hospitals, U.S. News & World Report, 2022-2023)

In 2021, biopharma employment in Massachusetts grew by 13.2%.

(2022 MassBio Industry Snapshot)

So, what’s next? Right now, in greater Boston, life-sciences startups are raising billions of dollars in venture capital to drive early-stage research in regenerative medicine, early disease detection, biotherapeutics, gene therapies and more—and they are hiring Boston’s enterprising best and brightest to solve some of the most exciting and challenging issues facing the industry, and society, today. On our doorstep, “the Fenway District is the foundation of a new life sciences hub in the City of Boston” (boston.com) where millions of square feet of lab space has been built or is planned over the next several years.

Boston hospitals placed in the top 5 for specialties such as oncology, endocrinology, ENT, obstetrics and gynecology, opthamology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, and rheumatology.

Boston’s medical, educational, biotech and healthcare institutions were again a leader in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, receiving $2 billion in 2021 alone.

MAJOR: Biology

MINORS: Neuroscience and Theology

During Eileen’s first year, she applied and was accepted to the CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences) program through nearby Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and spent the summer before her sophomore year participating in clinical research in the institute’s adult leukemia department.

She interned with the Chen Lab in Harvard’s Program for Neuroscience as a research assistant, and gained experience in medical affairs and clinical operations through internships at Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Syros Pharmaceuticals.

Eileen was a finalist for both the Rhodes and the Marshall scholarships, through which she would explore the bridge between science and religion, and how the connection could advance understanding of global health issues.

Since graduation, Eileen has been working as a project coordinator for Moderna and moving forward on her goal to attend medical school. She continues to focus on community health as the project director for We Got Us, an organization committed to increasing access to health and wellness for the most marginalized communities.

Emmanuel’s Maureen Murphy Wilkens Science Center is the center of academic inquiry in the School of Science & Health. The building houses 14 state-of-the-art laboratories for teaching and research in biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, neuroscience and research, as well as classrooms, multipurpose rooms and plenty of breakout and meeting space for collaboration.

Here, students and faculty collaborate on groundbreaking research. Emmanuel faculty have received more than $2 million in National Science Foundation (NSF) funding for work in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and psychology neuroscience over the last decade—creating a culture of excellence that opens the door for current and future students to engage in high-level and impactful research.

-Aren Gerdon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry; Dr. Gerdon served as principal investigator on projects funded by NSF in 2013 and 2019

“The wonderful thing about this support from the NSF is that you are only funded a second time if you were successful the first. The undergraduate students who dedicated themselves to these projects produced the results, publications and conference presentations that demonstrated the high level of research done at Emmanuel College.”

EILEEN MILIEN ’22

There. Everywhere.

ECUADOR: INTRODUCTION TO ORGANISMIC AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY

When Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle made landfall on the Galápagos Islands in September 1835, his resulting findings changed the study of evolution and natural selection forever. During the semester, this course focuses on the process that generated and interconnects all living diversity on the planet—evolution—including a broad overview of the diversity of life, how organisms interact, and how our species is influencing the abiotic and biotic world. Students learn how mutations accumulate within heritable molecules, and how the environment may select for and against certain mutations within populations. For two weeks over the summer, student scientists travel to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands to partake in labs and excursions to continue study of the plants and animals of this unique ecosystem.

The School of Science & Health regularly offers faculty-led travel courses that fulfill elective requirements for several programs. The College’s Office of International Programs can help you take advantage of many global education opportunities. (Course offerings are subject to change).

INDONESIA: SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE

Though industrialization has fueled economies and innovation, its progress has had devastating effects on the natural world. After a semester of study on Emmanuel’s campus, this course travels to Indonesia for two weeks over the summer, focusing on issues of deforestation on the island of Borneo, the urbanization of Java and its diminishing biodiversity and the depletion of marine resources due to tourism in Bali. The course focuses on the causes and effects on people and their environments, as well as how Indonesians are working to find their own solutions.

MORE COURSES STUDENTS CAN’T WAIT TO TAKE:

Biology and Society

Chemistry of Fire and Explosives

Programming in SAS

Theories of Personality

Race, Gender and Sexuality: Intersection of Privilege and Oppression

A Glimpse Curriculum INTO THE

CURRENT TOPICS IN BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Ask five scientists what motivates them, and you’ll get five different answers—to push the limits of what’s been done, solve a problem deemed unsolvable, find a better cure for common illnesses, or develop a cure for an uncommon one. The emerging fields of biotechnology, genetic engineering and molecular biology are having a revolutionary impact on our lives. Delve into—and get inspired by—studies around transplantation, artificial organs, drug design and delivery systems, exotic epidemics, gene therapy and more. Readings from a wide spectrum of books and periodicals serve as basis for class discussion, in which you will be encouraged to view the challenges of modern biology from scientific, social and ethical viewpoints.

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

Fingerprints. Fiber samples. Trace amounts of blood, paint, soil. The building blocks of a crime scene. While television shows glamorize the work of forensic scientists, these highly skilled and detail-oriented technicians provide a vital link between science and the law. In recent years, we’ve seen how scientific evidence has been used in court to both convict criminals and exonerate the innocent. Learn to unlock the mystery of crimes through the application of modern techniques through the analysis of trace evidence, forensic toxicology and drug analysis, DNA profiling and other sub-disciplines. Special emphasis will be placed on the techniques of sampling a crime scene and the use of physical evidence.

Associate Professor of Psychology Kimberly Smirles reviews for exams with her “General Psychology” students.

Mindfulness and Mental Health

Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Helen MacDonald’s research focuses on the relationships between mindfulness, mental health, academic functioning, and belongingness among college students.

“Mindfulness programs represent one compelling strategy for reducing stress and risk for mental health problems in college students,” MacDonald said. “My research finds that college students who report greater mindfulness skills are less depressed, stressed, and anxious.”

During the Fall 2022 semester, MacDonald and her research team of psychology majors Madeline Bradley ’23 and Matthew

Lemansky ’23 (pictured) investigated the lived experiences of participants in an eight-week mindfulness training program. MacDonald, Bradley, and Lemansky are working to analyze data and draft a manuscript from this qualitative study study, which was conducted with a sample of Emmanuel College students during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the project progresses, MacDonald’s research lab plans to submit this manuscript for publication.

With funding from the Frederick P. Lenz Foundation, MacDonald has also worked to expand the Program for Mindfulness and Contemplative Learning at the College, developing a series of interrelated and applied mindfulness programs.

TOP 10 FIRST EMPLOYERS of School of Science & Health Graduates (Classes of 2015–2021)

1. Boston Children’s Hospital

2. Massachusetts General Hospital

3. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

4.

5.

Little Prep Talk

100% of students in the School of Science & Health complete at least one internship as part of the core curriculum, gaining real-world experience in Emmanuel College’s laboratories or in the city of Boston. Our Leslie Ferrick McCafferty Career Center has a designated career community for STEM & Health Sciences students with specialized recruiting opportunities and events to build your networking skills—and your resume.

• Gain career insight and inspiration through alumni panels and networking events such as our Career Community Panels, in which alumni and industry professionals from the Broad Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, ElevateBio and Sanofi share insights into their careers and graduate school experiences.

• Participate in career-igniting research alongside faculty and peers on Emmanuel’s campus.

• Take advantage of our professional partnerships with regular off-campus events, such as Boston Children’s Hospital’s Patient Experience Representative Recruitment Night.

• Get face time with recruiters through the annual career fair, as well as the McCafferty Career Center’s Industry Recruitment Series, in which recruiters from organizations such as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, CVS Health, Merck Research Laboratories, the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium meet with students roundtable style to provide information about their organizations, culture, hiring timelines and application procedures.

• And, most importantly, check in with your Career Advisor early and often—they are here to learn more about your individual skills and career goals.

Brigham & Women’s Hospital

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

6. Tufts Medical Center

7. Harvard Medical School

8. Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology 10. McLean Hospital

Katherine Facenda ’23

MAJOR: Biology

INTERNSHIP: Intern, Aspen Dental

Though Katherine wants to be a “smile architect,” her foray into biology might be an unlikely one for a future dentist. “In sixth grade, we had to make a model of a cell out of candy,” she said. “It was like, a core memory for me. I have loved cells ever since.”

The Derry, NH-native began her college journey a bit closer to home, but transferred to Emmanuel for its strong biology program and focus on health sciences. As part of the predental track, her curriculum provides strong preparation for entrance into dental school and a career in dental medicine.

While working a summer job in 2022, she stopped by the Aspen Dental location across the street and asked if she could shadow the dentist for a few months. The dentist agreed and extended her time at the practice to include a fall internship, where she was also able to work in the dental lab where dentures and retainers are made.

“I learned I want to use my biology background in a practical way,” she said. “Research and experiments are important, but I am a people person. I want to be able to do something tangible with my hands to solve an immediate problem, to improve someone’s confidence and quality of life.

“Dentistry is where technology and science become an art. Where else can you be an artist, an engineer and an architect than when you’re designing someone’s smile?”

While finishing her senior year at Emmanuel, she is also involved in a mentorship program at Tufts School of Dental Medicine, where is paired with a second-year dental student. After graduation, she hopes to travel and learn more about dental practices in other countries and continue her education at Tufts.

One School, Many Paths

By one year after graduation, 97% of the School of Science & Health Class of 2021 were either employed, enrolled in graduate school, or engaged in military service. Graduates are working in various facets of clinical research and development, healthcare and health services, biotechnology, secondary and higher education, social services, pharmaceuticals, information technology and more.

Graduates are also continuing their education at prestigious institutions from Boston to Glasgow, gaining master’s or doctoral degrees in mental health counseling, data science, veterinary medicine, nursing, chemistry, social work, speech pathology, neuroscience, forensic science, biophysics and nutrition.

Our students are limited only by their ambition—take a look at the far-reaching effects of just a few of our recent graduates.

MATHEMATICS BIOLOGY CHEMISTRY PSYCHOLOGY NEUROSCIENCE

Timothy Hedspeth ’21

Mathematics and Biostatistics

Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, Brown University M.S. Candidate, Biostatistics, Brown University

Lena Hajjar ’14

Mathematics and Biostatistics

Senior Engineer, Everquote

Maria Amodeo ’21

Biology Research Technician, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Jacquelyn Schneider ’20

Biology, concentration in Health Sciences

Clinical Laboratory Process Development Associate, Broad Institute

Julia Bujalski ’18

Mathematics

Product Designer, STAT

Matthew Powers ’17

Biology, concentration in Health Sciences

Field Services Engineer, Sony Biotechnology

Mickey Barron ’22

Chemistry and Biology

Associate Scientist II, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

May Le ’15

Chemistry

Associate Software Quality Engineer, MedAcuity

Samantha Smith ’19

Neuroscience and Psychology

Clinical Research Assistant II, McLean Hospital

Jolie Xifaras ’15

Neuroscience

Rare Disease HCP Navigator, Pfizer; MPH in Health Policy, New York University

Grace Viviano ’22

Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice

Probation Case Specialist, Massachusetts Trial Court

Dianna Shields ’22 Chemistry

Associate Scientist, Atalanta Therapeutics

Alyssa Taubert ’15

Psychology

Occupational Therapist, Massachusetts General Hospital; Doctor of Occupational Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions

Madison Hillman ’20

Neuroscience and Psychology

Associate Scientist, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Cogent Biosciences

Devan Phillips ’19

Neuroscience Scientist II, Genentech

Program Overview

Emmanuel’s robust academic programs offer a set of core majors in expansive and diverse disciplines—students may choose to keep their studies broad, or may specialize in a more specific field of study with an added concentration.

The School of Science & Health also offers pre-professional programs in Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical and Pre-Veterinary curricula.

Major Minor Concentration

BIOLOGY

BIOCHEMISTRY

BIOSTATISTICS

BIOTECHNOLOGY

CHEMISTRY

COUNSELING & HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

FORENSIC SCIENCE

HEALTH SCIENCES

MATHEMATICS

MATHEMATICAL MODELING

NEUROSCIENCE (BIOLOGY)

NEUROSCIENCE (PSYCHOLOGY)

PHYSIOLOGY

STATISTICS

Emmanuel College

School of Science & Health

400 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115

www.emmanuel.edu

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