An aerial photo of the Mount Holyoke College Science Center
  1. Academics
  2. Centers and Facilities
  3. Science Center

Science Center

This complex includes labs dedicated to molecular biology, genetics, advanced physics and optics. In facilities ranked among the best in the U.S., per the 2019 Princeton Review, students access everything from scanning and transmission electron microscopes and DNA sequencing equipment to a custom-built Mössbauer spectrometer and an atomic force microscope. As a science student at Mount Holyoke, you can get practical experience with this sophisticated equipment as early as your first year.

Facilities and Laboratories

Many of our science departments offer opportunities for research projects in one or more labs. 
Learn more about research opportunities
A student using the uv vis atomic force microscope

Science Center Microscopy Facility

Among the instruments in this facility are scanning and transmission electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and an atomic force microscope. The lab is also equipped with a variety of sample preparation equipment and supplies.

Students working in lab with faculty.

Beckman Scholars Program

A 15-month mentored research experience for exceptional undergraduate students in chemistry, biological sciences or interdisciplinary combinations. Selected scholars will work on a one-on-one mentored research project with the available faculty mentor in their field.

Science Center Complex

The science center complex is built around state-of-the-art Kendade Hall, which has been designated a LEED-certified green building.

View Gallery
The exterior of Kendade Hall
Students hanging out in the Kendade atrium
Students working together in one of the circular rooms in Kendade Hall
The glass bridge that connects Kendade Hall and Clapp Laboratories
The stairway in the Kendade atrium
The exterior of Kendade Hall
Kendade Hall, and the glass bridge that connects it to Clapp Laboratories.
Students hanging out in the Kendade atrium
The atrium of Kendade is a great space to study or hang out with friends.
Students working together in one of the circular rooms in Kendade Hall
The circular rooms in Kendade are a popular spot to work on group projects.
The glass bridge that connects Kendade Hall and Clapp Laboratories
A glass bridge connects Kendade Hall and Clapp Laboratories.
The stairway in the Kendade atrium
The stairs in the Kendade atrium were designed to mimic a DNA helix.
Kendade is the nexus of the Mount Holyoke College Science Center, connecting Carr and Clapp laboratories and Shattuck and Cleveland halls.
Shattuck Hall
Built in 1932, Shattuck Hall conforms to LEED standards as a green building.
Exterior of Carr Laboratory
Carr includes environment-friendly features such as recycled flooring and energy-efficient windows.

Science Center Faculty & Staff

Department head(s)

Jared Schwartzer

Jared Schwartzer

  • Associate Professor of Psychology and Education
  • Director of the Science Center
  • Chair of Geology & Geography

Faculty and staff

Kathleen (Katie) Byrne

Kathleen (Katie) Byrne

  • Animal Care Technician
Rob Higley, Physics & Science Center Technician

Rob Higley

  • Physics & Science Center Technician
Eugenio Marcano

Eugenio Marcano

  • Manager of the Geo-Processing Lab
  • Instructor in Geology and Geography
Cheryl McGraw

Cheryl McGraw

  • Academic Department Coordinator
Willie Perreault

Willie Perreault

  • Operations Manager for Science Education and Research