Biology

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As a Biology student, you will share in our goals of

• familiarizing students with the process of science;
• preparing students for biologically-based careers or for graduate/ professional study through an organism-focused biology curriculum
• engaging students in the quest for a life-long commitment to learning.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Merrilee Anderson, Chair of Science and Mathematics, joined the Mount faculty in 2000 and has a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from The Pennsylvania State University. Her students have created projects such as "Science in a Bag" where they developed a science module to teach children about water quality. Bags included a book and activity and were donated to a local elementary school. Dr. Anderson studies Abandoned Mine Drainage, including microbial life found in acidic systems. Students have presented at local Allegheny Branch American Society of Microbiology (ABASM) conferences. Dr. Anderson is President-Elect of ABASM, and Mount Aloysius College will host the regional meeting in November 2011.

Dr. Mike Engle joined the Mount faculty in 2004. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in molecular biology and has worked at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Engle studies cellular and biochemical pathways with a special interest in extracellular matrix. He teaches Laboratory Techniques, Immunology, and Principles of Biotechnology, and encourages independent student research. In summer 2010, he attended a workshop on the study of proteins in human tissues.

Kris Hansen, Biology '09, completed a 10-week paid internship with the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative (www.ptei.org) at McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. He was one of 21 interns selected from a nationwide pool of 150 applicants.

Working with mentor Dr. Patricia Hedba, Associate Professor at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital, Kris conducted research that focused on the extra cellular matrix to aid the body's repair mechanism following trauma to the trachea. He presented his findings at a formal session at the conclusion of the program.

Kris currently attends the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

A Bachelor of Science in Biology prepares students for graduate and professional school or a career upon graduation. One of the benefits of a Biology degree is the diversity of choices within the field. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, research, and other outreach opportunities allowing application of concepts learned in the classroom. An advisor guides you in course selection and professional development such as resume and personal statement writing. Your advisor will may encourage attendance at regional meetings in your field of interest, and application to summer opportunities and awards programs. Alums of the program return frequently to talk about career and graduate school successes, discussing how best to prepare for the "real world"!

Career Options

In the Biological sciences, the job outlook is expected to grow at a faster outlook than most other careers. This is great news! Whether you're interested in teaching, research, or industry, there's a career in Biology for you. Take a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics page for Biological Scientists.

Professional/Medical School.

In addition to teaching high school Biology or working in a lab or field setting, another option is professional or medical school. We encourage pre-health professionals in such areas as medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, chiropractic, occupational therapy and many other health fields. Students typically complete a four year degree at Mount Aloysius College in Biology, and then take the appropriate entrance exam (MCAT, GRE, etc) for their chosen field. An advisor guides you through the application process and make sure you stay on track to reach your goals.

Undergraduate Research

We have seven full-time faculty pursuing topics rich in undergraduate research opportunities. Research enables you to learn hands-on skills, answer scientific questions, and fulfill the scientific method.

• Do you want to identify diatoms in Abandoned Mine Drainage? We've got it!
• Want to understand fish behavior in Costa Rica? We've got it!
• Want to understand the role of proteins in human placenta? We've got it!
• Research is a rewarding part of your undergraduate degree.

Contact Us:
admissions@mtaloy.edu ♦ 814.886.6383 ♦ Main Building Room 118
7373 Admiral Peary Highway, Cresson, PA 16630-1999