Biological Sciences at St. Mary’s
The study of Biological Sciences at St. Mary’s University includes a broad-based curriculum and extensive scientific training designed to prepare well-rounded health care professionals, teachers and scientists. Students develop written and oral communication skills, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills. In addition, students obtain an understanding and respect for ethical and moral concerns.
The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to help our students achieve their academic, career and personal goals. To accomplish this, the faculty of the department provide students with a fundamental understanding of basic and modern biological principles, critical-thinking skills and opportunities for enrichment through regular one-on-one advising, career guidance and research experience. A distinguishing aspect of the training offered by the department is that it is attained within the context of the Marianist and liberal arts traditions.
As part of these traditions, the Biology curriculum, in conjunction with the core curriculum of St. Mary’s University, seeks to develop our students into responsible citizens capable of solving problems that will help society.
Department Mission
Student Opportunities
Because our students display competence, dedication and compassion, they are readily accepted into graduate programs, the health professions, biomedical research and teaching fields.
The Department of Biological Sciences supports the following opportunities for students:
- Pre-health Professional Programs for students interested in health careers
- Numerous internship and summer program options
- Hands-on research opportunities with faculty mentors
- Four registered student organizations
- Outreach programs that service the surrounding community
- Classrooms and laboratories stocked with state-of-the-art equipment
Live and Learn Together
Many of our students choose to live in one of two living and learning communities: the Science Living Community and the Biology Living Learning Community. The two communities partner with the School of Science, Engineering and Technology to host programs throughout the academic year and invite faculty to visit the halls and share their passion and experiences.
The Science Living Community is a residence hall dedicated to students who are majoring in the sciences. In this community, students live down the hall from their classmates studying similar subjects and have tutors available in the dorm for some math and science courses.
Biology majors who are academically driven and interested in a career in the biological sciences and related professional fields. As a part of this community, students will live, study, participate in engagement opportunities and attend classes with highly motivated students with the support of faculty members from the Department of Biological Sciences.
Pre-Health Professional Programs
For students hoping to pursue a career in health care, St. Mary’s offers several extra-curricular activities that enrich their education, including partnerships with professional schools such as UT Health San Antonio.
Academic Programs in the Department of Biological Sciences
Faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences
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Christine E. Gray, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences
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Thomas (Ted) E. Macrini, Ph.D. Chair and Professor of Biological Sciences
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Gary B. Ogden, Ph.D. Associate Dean
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Verónica Contreras-Shannon, Ph.D. Professor of Biological Sciences
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Lori Boies, Ph.D., MPH Research Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences (Bioinformatics)
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Jesus Segovia, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
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Terry Shackleford, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
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Mary Beth Hawkins, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
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Jennifer Harr, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
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Teresa A. Beam, Ph.D. Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology
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Benjamin T. Enslow, M.D. Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
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Michael Vallor, Ph.D. Instructor of Biology
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Leia Lozano Instructor of Biology
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Madeline McLeod, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Forensic Science