Biology, Biochemistry, and Forensic Science Programs at Saint Rose

BIO LOG Y, BIO CH EM IST RY, O G RA M S A N D FO RE N SI C SC IE N CE PR

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE SAINT ROSE

MAKE A DISCOV Whether your dream is to become a medical doctor taking care of patients, a conservationist saving the planet, a forensic scientist analyzing criminal evidence, or a research scientist developing new technologies – our programs will help you reach your goals.

Studying science will allow you to deepen your understanding of the natural universe, hone technical laboratory skills, and develop the critical thinking skills needed to become an innovative researcher. Our biology, biochemistry, and Dr. Brad Bauer

forensic science programs provide rigorous academic experiences inside the classroom and laboratory, while also providing opportunities for professional growth through fieldwork, internships, and undergraduate research.

We welcome you to discover what makes our programs stand out and hope to see you in our classrooms soon.

All our best, Dr. Brad Bauer | Dr. Brian Jensen Co-chairs

Dr. Brian Jensen

Department of Physical and Biological Sciences

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

VERY AB O UT O U R SCI E N CE PROG R AM S

“Saint Rose has provided me with enough knowledge in the sciences to apply my major of biology to the real world.

I’ve learned to think like a scientist, and as the years went on, I saw the potential of applying my education to the field of medicine. I am

Take a deep dive into our science programs You don’t have to conduct an experiment to find out how you can thrive in these majors: expert faculty who teach both lectures and labs, programs that specialize in your interests, robust

currently applying to medical school as well as dental school, so I can use what I’ve learned at Saint Rose for the betterment of others.”

undergraduate research projects, a network of community

ERIC SZILLUS II ’21

members dedicated to your grad school or career goals, and the

BS Biology

opportunity to participate in our Cold Case Analysis Center.

We prepare the next generation of scientists — are you ready to make your discovery?

Examine our p Put our biology program under a microscope

FIND YOUR FOCUS: Choose to concentrate in either cell and molecular biology or ecology/ environmental science, preparing you to meet grad school or career goals.

CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: For students interested in medical-related fields, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, microbiology, genetics, animal biology, and other areas.

ECOLOGY/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: For students interested in a field-oriented degree that emphasizes how organisms interact with their environment.

BUILD BRIDGES: Have your sights set on becoming a physical therapist or occupational therapist? We have articulation agreements with The Sage Colleges to help you get on your career path faster.

SPEAKING OF CAREERS, HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS: If you wish to continue your studies, our degree prepares you for graduate school in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and many other areas of science.

You can go on to become an environmental specialist, research scientist, nutritionist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, or science teacher.

Find chemistry with our biochemistry program GO TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL: Elevate your understanding of the chemistry of biology. You’ll learn about biological functions on a molecular and cellular level. Study proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids (among other areas).

Common topics include the regulation of metabolism, the molecular basis of genetics, chemiluminescence, and the methods by which drugs affect organisms.

GET ON TRACK: You’ll take courses in microbiology, immunology, physical chemistry, cell biology, and organic chemistry.

SEE A WHITE COAT IN YOUR FUTURE? The biochemistry major is an excellent choice for pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-veterinary students.

HAVE GRAD SCHOOL IN MIND? This program will set you up for graduate study in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry.

THINKING ABOUT THE WORKFORCE? You can go on to find careers in allied health professions, biochemical research, industrial laboratories, forensics and the chemical or pharmaceutical industries.

programs Investigate our forensic science program COMBINE YOUR PASSIONS: With this program, you’ll study chemistry and biology alongside coursework in evidence, forensic assays, the court system, and other related topics.

NARROW YOUR INTERESTS: Choose from two tracks, either chemistry or biology, providing more courses in the area of your interest as well as flexibility in your career and/or graduate school options!

WORK ON ACTUAL COLD CASES: Our Cold Case Analysis Center allows qualified forensic science students to work with local law enforcement agencies on real cold cases. Gain access to files, sort through the evidence, and work with the victims’ families.

RECEIVE EXTRA SUPPORT: A dedicated forensic science advisor will help you throughout your academic career.

JOIN A NETWORK:

GET INTO IT: Competitive internship opportunities are located right down the street from Saint Rose. You can intern at the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center, The Division of Criminal Justice Office of Forensics, and many other local and regional laboratories.

WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT CAN YOU WORK WITH? BIOLOGY MAJORS: • Cell culture facility • Cryostat • Fluorescence microscopy • Digital physiographs (digital data-acquisition hardware) • Gel electrophoresis apparatus • Micro-plate photometer (plate reader) • Standard and quantitative (q) PCR machines • YSI multimeter BIOCHEMISTRY AND FORENSIC SCIENCE MAJORS: • Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer

High-achieving forensic science majors have the opportunity to join the Saint Rose chapter of Delta Delta Epsilon, a forensic science honor society.

What else?

OUR DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN Our faculty members teach both lectures and labs, in small classroom settings, so you can receive one-on-one guidance and support from professors.

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES ARE ABUNDANT Attend conferences and present research, receive a grant to pursue a summer research project, get published in our annual Undergraduate Research Journal, and participate in a College-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium. Students who participate in research can also join Sigma Xi, a research honors society, if nominated.

• UV-VIS spectrometer

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO Student science clubs and organizations, such as the Natural Science Association and Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students, provide you with networking and mentorship opportunities as well as hands-

• Gas chromatograph (GC)

on learning outside of the classroom.

• Comparison microscope • Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer with attenuated total reflection (ATR) attachment

• Atomic absorption spectrometer • High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

YOU’LL STAY WELL CONNECTED Our alumni organization, the Doctors’ Guild, is an association of professionals who provide networking and mentorship opportunities to undergraduate students interested in a career in medicine.

A Natural Science colloquium series introduces students to professionals in various scientific disciplines and alumni.

CHECK OUT THESE INTERNSHIP AND FIELDWORK OPPORTUNITIES • RNA Institute at University at Albany • Wadsorth Center, New York State Department of Health • Albany Pine Bush Preserve • New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center • Office of Forensic Services, New York State Division of Criminal Justice • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Find out what our biology, biochemistry, and forensic science alumni are up to

“The science curriculum at Saint Rose prepared me well for a career in forensic science. The small class sizes and availability of the professors and their candid feedback provided the support and confidence I needed to pursue my career.”

JENNIFER BUSK ’16 MS, Forensic Science (University of New Haven) Forensic scientist in trace evidence, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta area

“My interest in science was really nurtured by my professors (Sister Tess Wysolmerski ’53, Dr. Alexander, and J.R. Gaige) and my coach at Saint Rose, and they helped me find opportunities to grow. Dr. Alexander and Sister Tess, my advisor, always pushed me to think about how to use my interest in mycology in my career.”

DEBORAH SPRINGER ’96 Ph.D., Biomedical sciences, immunology, and infectious diseases (University at Albany) Lead science in assay development, translational genomics for Q2 Solutions, Morrisville, North Carolina

“Whenever you’re dealing in science, whatever policy or program you’re working with, you’re trying to elevate to the forefront of awareness.

Education is really the beginning of that process. Saint Rose, from the early onset of my career to now, provided me a platform that allowed me to become elevated.”

TIM MCAULEY ’01, U.S. NAVY (RET.) Ph.D., Environmental science and engineering (Clarkson) Founder and owner of Change Environmental LLC, Saratoga Springs, New York

“Saint Rose provided me with copious opportunities that allowed me to delve deeper into my interests and discover my passions beyond academics. I received continuous support throughout my four years from the faculty in the science department, which has extended past graduation. I credit the commitment displayed by the faculty to not only educate but to challenge their students, toward my academic and personal accomplishments.”

NIA BROWN ’20 Research fellow, The National, Association to Advance Black Birth, Washington, District of Columbia

“Under the guidance of Dr. Zeeh, Saint Rose granted me the necessary skill set to flourish in my current program.

Dr. Zeeh, along with the other professors in the department, helped me tap into my passion and ensure that I would succeed in achieving my goals. Saint Rose gave me the foundation and support I needed to feel prepared in taking the next step in building my career as a scientist.”

CAITLIN MILLER ’19 Ph.D. candidate, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky

“Saint Rose gave me a good foundation in basic science and chemistry. I also had the opportunity to be an NSF (National Science Foundation) undergraduate research fellow. … It was a great opportunity for me to immerse myself in research for the first time.”

KAREN CEROSALETTI ’82 Ph.D., Immunology (University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry) Director of the Center for Translational Immunology at the Benaroya Research Institute in Seattle, Washington

“The College of Saint Rose has helped me achieve my goals by instilling my passion and knowledge in forensic science. As a result of direct instrumental use as well as conceptual knowledge, I have gained the confidence needed to ensure my analytical work is always precise and accurate.

Through Saint Rose, I was able to find my calling in forensic toxicology and have been servicing the community through scientific work ever since.”

JEREMY PERALTA ’15 MS, Forensic Science (John Jay College of Criminal Justice) Forensic Toxicologist, The Office of Chief Medical Examiner, New York, New York

Talking big about microbiology Q&A WITH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF MICROBIOLOGY DR. KELLY HALLSTROM

What makes Saint Rose a great environment to study the sciences?

The science faculty at Saint Rose are dedicated to helping students develop into successful scientists. Our goal is to make sure all of our students leave Saint Rose with the skills necessary to pursue their next steps, whether that be pursuing graduate studies, working in a laboratory, or entering the medical field. We enjoy the small class sizes because this allows us to get to know our students better, and helps us advise them in ways that set them up for success after they graduate from Saint Rose. The science faculty also represent a range of disciplines in the sciences, which means students have many opportunities to pursue independent research projects in a topic they are interested in.

What do students learn in your General Microbiology and corresponding lab course?

General Microbiology offers a broad introduction to the biology of microbes, with an emphasis on bacteria and viruses.

Specific topics include how bacteria acquire and use nutrients from the environment, how they reproduce, how they evolve (and the important role of viruses in this process), and how we can study them in lab settings. In the lab course, students acquire the skills needed to safely handle and identify various types of bacteria that are relevant to the environment and to human health. In addition to learning standard lab techniques, students also have the opportunity to conduct small research projects in the lab course that explore

how bacteria adapt to their environments.

Throughout the semester, students also apply their microscopy skills from earlier coursework that focused primarily on looking at animal and plant cells, to looking at much smaller bacterial cells. Overall, students learn that microbes aren’t just pathogens, but in many cases are actually beneficial to us and to the environment.

What is it about microbiology that is so fascinating and fun to study?

Although we can’t see them with our eyes alone, microbes are incredibly important to us and to the environment.

For example, we know bacteria can make us sick, but most bacteria that we come in contact with are harmless or offer us a benefit. The human microbiome is a great example of this. We used to think the microbiome was composed just of bacteria, but better studies have shown that many other types of microbes are present too, including fungi and even some types of viruses. These microbes do more than help us digest food; they help protect us from

pathogenic microbes in many ways, including helping to ensure our immune systems develop properly. It’s fascinating to think that without these good microbes around, we would have a much harder time fighting off the pathogenic microbes.

What do students enjoy about this class?

Students like the chance to handle and study bacteria, which is a unique part of this class.

Although finding small bacterial cells can be challenging, students really like being able to find them under the microscope and seeing how different species of bacteria look and move. Many times I’ve heard students exclaim, “That looks so cool!” when they’ve found the bacteria they were looking for.

What types of undergraduate research opportunities are available to students who are interested in this topic?

I enjoy helping students develop microbiology projects based on topics they are interested in. Most of the students I’ve worked with had a topic in mind that

we shaped into a project. The two areas of research that have been most popular have been on the oral microbiome and examining bacterial growth on microplastics. Students have looked at variability in the types of normal oral bacteria and have examined ways to limit the growth of oral bacteria that can lead to the formation of cavities. Students working on microplastics have examined samples of water from their hometown and from areas of water in and around Albany for microplastics and bacteria growing on them. I plan to keep the microplastic project running as a long-term project for students to join in on, but am always excited to hear what ideas students have for projects.

How can students apply what they learn in this class to their grad school goals or career opportunities?

The great part about any of our science courses is that they provide students with the opportunity to learn the critical thinking and hands-on skills they need to be successful in their next step after Saint Rose. Students who take General Microbiology learn skills that set them up for success in an academic, medical, or biotech research lab jobs that require

proficiency with microscopy and biosafety techniques. Further, the broad foundation they gain about bacteria and other pathogens translates well to medical fields, environmental science, and public health.

How do you apply what’s happening in the real world, such as the pandemic, to your classroom teachings?

I highlight examples of current research that is being done on topics that come up in class. This helps students understand the broader applications of microbial biology to real scientific problems. It also helps personalize science, and reminds us that scientists are people! When there is a current microbe in the news, say SARSCoV-2 (i.e., COVID-19), or a bacterial pathogen associated with an outbreak in food, I work those microbes into the class discussions or highlight them as examples of specific types of microbes so that we can dive into their biology. In the past, I have also had students complete “Microbes in the News” assignments, for which they were asked to find a microbe that made it into recent headlines and describe its biology.

Why do you like teaching this course?

I enjoy teaching this course because it’s impossible to teach it the same way every year. The field of microbiology changes rapidly, and there is always something new or different to pay a little extra attention to. One year it may be the microbiome, another year it may be the use of bacteria for bioremediation. There are a lot of ways to make sure we cover the essentials, which means it’s possible to adapt the course to current interests.

Who should take this class and why?

Everyone should learn about microbes!

Students who are interested in health get the opportunity to learn about the basic biology of microbes and how our bodies respond to pathogens. Students who are interested in environmental science get to learn about how microbes survive in extreme environments, and how they help cycle nutrients in ecosystems. Students who are interested in biology in general gain a broad range of knowledge about the microbes that are around us and in us and truly impact many aspects of our everyday lives.

OUR RESEARCH SHOWS… AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES!

IT’S WHO YOU KNOW WANT MORE? Summer undergraduate research grants are also available. These competitive grants allow students to conduct funded research under the supervision of a faculty member.

Students get a leg up on networking when their research leads to attending the meetings of the Eastern New York Section of the American Chemical Society and the induction ceremony of the Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Honor Society.

Students in the biology, biochemistry, and forensic science programs can participate in undergraduate research, which can lead to greater exposure in the field.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

ASK CAITLYN CAITLYN DABAGIAN ’20

Professor Brian Jensen

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Held annually on campus, this poster session allows undergraduate research from all majors to be showcased before faculty, community members, and other students. BONUS: Prizes are awarded!

The first-place winner receives $300 and the second-place winner receives $200.

PUBLICATIONS Students can get published in the College’s Undergraduate Research Journal. All undergraduates are invited to submit their work for review, but a select group is chosen.

Maybe you’re next?

SOMETHING TO SHOW Power up your resume or graduate school application with these opportunities!

AND: After submitting her work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and applying for the Katherine McPeak Library Undergraduate Research Award, Dabagian took second place.

WHAT: Caitlyn Dabagian ‘20, a biology major, always dreamed of becoming a marine biologist. She fulfilled part of that dream one summer, working on an undergraduate research project at an oyster farm on Cape Cod after securing a grant under the supervision of Professor Brian Jensen.

Dabagian’s research focused on how commercial oyster farms affect the growth and diversity of meiofauna, which is a good indicator of the overall health and success of aquatic ecosystems.

Student research a pandemic could not disrupt WHO:

WHAT:

WHY:

Gabrielle Canzano ’21, forensic science major

Last spring, Canzano and Mendoza approached their professor about conducting a separate-but-related research project on the prevalence of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems — and whether the particles have promoted harmful bacterial growth.

For more than a century, large companies dumped chemical waste into Onondaga Lake, and today, Canzano worries about the impact. She received a Saint Rose summer research grant for her part of the project.

Sheba Mendoza ’21, biology major Dr. Kelly Hallstrom, assistant professor of microbiology

Each student would focus their research on a different body of water: Canzano, a Syracuse native, would study Onondaga Lake.

Mendoza would evaluate ponds in and around Albany.

Mendoza loves the aquatic life she grew up with in Trinidad and fears the damaging effects of freshwater pollution — especially on turtles.

They would meet Hallstrom in the science lab to analyze findings.

Then, the coronavirus pandemic hit. Hallstrom was prepared to put the work aside. Her student researchers, however, had no such intention.

“It was their enthusiasm that kept it going,” Hallstrom said. “We structured it less on analysis, more on observation, which is just as important. It was supposed to be very, very different. But science is about being able to be flexible. It never goes according to plan.”

And Hallstrom made the consequences of water contamination real last year during a campus colloquium on microplastics.

“It makes me upset when I see plastic on the beaches, near their eggs. I really want to understand the impact,” said Mendoza.

Canzano was also surprised by the amount of waste at Onondaga Lake.

This past summer, Canzano took samples several times a week at designated spots on the lake. Mendoza collected water from Buckingham Pond, Washington Park Lake, and several other spots where turtles lay their eggs.

Hallstrom offered instructions on photographing their observations to develop something of a time capsule. The picture is sobering: Even as the pandemic keeps more people than usual at home, waste litters the water and shore.

“You go to the same part of the lake for a month and see the same trash. People don’t seem to particularly care about carry-in, carry-out rules even though they know the lake is polluted,” she said.

When campus life restarted in the fall, both students were eager to analyze the samples in a lab. Hallstrom noted there has been little written on the ability of bacteria to grown on microplastics found in freshwater. She said the work could generate a paper.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Gabrielle Canzano ’21, forensic science major Dr. Kelly Hallstrom, assistant professor of microbiology Sheba Mendoza ’21, biology major

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