Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
Thomas H. Gosnell School of
Life Sciences
Overview
Explore the organic universe from DNA to global systems in a supportive academic environment at the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences. From the beginning, our students immerse themselves in biology through innovative coursework, hands-on, in-depth laboratories, experiential learning opportunities, and undergraduate research projects designed for real-life challenges in the life sciences.
We prepare the next generation of researchers, environmental scientists, computational biologists, medical doctors, pharmacists, and genomic data analysts. Whether it’s a cancer researcher developing a new vaccine or a biologist protecting our clean water, our students confront the toughest life science issues facing the world today and find solutions to them.
70%
Of upper-level courses have a fully hands-on, in-depth laboratory component
92%
Of all courses are taught by full-time professors
1st
RIT was first in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Science in biotechnology
Latest News
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August 4, 2022
![two syringes and a small glass vial of smallpox and moneypox vaccine.]()
Monkeypox vaccines: A virologist answers 6 questions about how they work, who can get them and how well they prevent infection
The Conversation asks Maureen Ferran, associate professor in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, about the two vaccines that can protect against monkeypox.
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August 1, 2022
![crowd of people looking at research posters in an atrium.]()
RIT undergraduates reveal research projects at annual summer symposium
The 31st annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on July 28 featured some of the best in undergraduate research ideas and solutions. Research proposals were featured in a series of oral and poster presentations throughout the day. Students who were unable to present their research at the in-person event can showcase their research at the International Day Online Gallery on Aug. 3.
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June 28, 2022
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College of Science Dean Sophia Maggelakis to become provost of Wentworth Institute of Technology
Dean Sophia Maggelakis will be leaving RIT to become the senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Maggelakis joined RIT as an assistant professor in 1990, became head of the School of Mathematical Sciences in 2001, and became dean of the College of Science in 2010.
Research
Discipline-Based Education Research (DBER) is a scholarly field that combines disciplinary expertise in a STEM field (physics, chemistry, biology, etc.) with research methods from cognitive science, psychology and the learning sciences. Researchers in this field are interested in studying and transforming STEM Education through basic and applied research. Faculty in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences are exploring how students learn concepts in molecular biology and genetics and how students apply their knowledge to novel learning and assessment tasks. Gaining insight into students’ mental models of complex molecular processes allows the team to develop new assessments and activities to measure and improve student learning. Faculty are also investigating how newly developed 3-D models of biomolecules and molecular processes can help students learn concepts related to genetic information flow.
Research Active Faculty:
Current work in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences uses Next Generation Sequencing to elucidate genomic and proteomics aspects of phage, bacteria and plants as it relates to pathogenesis, resistance, metabolic engineering, etc.
Research Active Faculty:
Featured Work
Climate Change Course: Complex Teams Solving Complex Problems
RIT students from all majors learn creative and interdisciplinary problem-solving through the perspectives of a diverse set of faculty members.
Accessible First-Year Research Opportunities
McKenzie Watts (biotechnology & molecular bioscience)
McKenzie Watts, a first-year student, says the best part about RIT is that research is accessible. Today, she's working in a research lab with Dr. André Hudson.
Biology Without Walls: An Immersive Learning Experience
RIT undergraduates had the opportunity to investigate the living world outside of the traditional classroom setting during an immersive field course called Biology Without Walls.
Featured Profiles
Dadgar Works to Make Medicine Personal
Sherry Dadgar ’08 MS (bioinformatics)
Sherry Dadgar launched PMCDx in 2020 to deliver advanced clinical genomic diagnostic testing to patients and their physicians. Today, PMCDx has more than 20 employees.
Prepared for Med School
Safiya Gazali ‘22 (biology)
Safiya Gazali is graduating with a Biology degree, research experience, and community service experience - a strong combination to stand out in med school applications.
Love Biology? Hate Formaldehyde? Try Bioinformatics.
Jeselle Clark ’19 (bioinformatics)
Jeselle Clark realized there are biology career paths outside of medicine or ecology. Today she’s a bioinformatics software engineer working at Essex Management, LLC as a contractor for the National...
Undergraduate Programs
At the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences we offer four exciting undergraduate programs. Whether it’s biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or environmental science, you become part of an active community of students, staff, and faculty working together to explore and solve complex biological problems in state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities.
Graduate Programs
The graduate students in the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences apply their advanced training in environmental science and computational biology to take a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of biological issues facing the world today. Each student works with a chosen faculty advisor to help them approach their project from a novel perspective, which prepares them to succeed in any path they choose after graduation.
Minors and Immersions
Current students are encouraged to visit the Student Information System (SIS) to confirm any pre-requisite or co-requisite courses.
