Biological Sciences

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Biology at Mount Holyoke operates within an interconnecting Science Center housing state-of-the-art facilities. The department has 12 full-time faculty whose research ranges from cytoskeletal dynamics during development and antiviral immune responses to AIDS, to the biomechanics of animal movement and invasive species ecology. Hands-on laboratory experience is central to our curriculum, and many of our students also engage in independent research with a faculty member before graduating.

Biology majors will explore the full range of the discipline and gain ample research and laboratory experience. Ultimately, they are provided with the foundations for success in diverse careers, including medicine, biotechnology, environmental conservation, and public policy.

Meet the Department

Rachel Fink spends her time watching cells squirm, crawl, divide and specialize in developing animal embryos.  Come look through the microscope with her."

Movements of the terrestrial hermit crab?  Migration of the Costa Rican lowland paper wasp?  Ask Renae Brodie.

Are we having fungi yet!  Jeff Knight focuses on mitochondrial ribosomal biogenesis, the fine-structure analysis of mitochondrial genes, and genetically engineered ribozyme expression in yeast.

Ecologist Martha Hoopes focuses on conservation biology and the human interactions with the environment that lead to declining population sizes--and even to extinction--among various species of plants and animals.

How do you like them apples? Amy Frary's research focuses on studying the genetic architecture and evolution of plant genomes.

Gary Gillis swims with the toads and runs with the goats. Well...almost.

Susan Barry knows first-hand how to train a brain to see in 3-D.

The physiological interactions between mother and fetus in mammals are a focal point for Sarah Bacon.

Stan Rachootin knows why only the fittest survive.

Ask Sharon Stranford how some immune systems resist lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Sarah J. Bacon, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences